University of Georgia Athletics
Where Do You See Megan Fitting Into Your Team?
November 12, 2007 | Gymnastics
Ainslie from Toronto asks...
Hi Suzanne, I wanted to ask/give credit to Megan Dowlen in this question. I was so impressed by Megan as an elite... she had no weakness on any event and was powerful yet clean on all the apparatus. I was thrilled when I heard she was going to Georgia for NCAA. I know your lineups are so very deep and capable - a testimony to your amazing program and athletes. I've loved Megan's moments of glory for your team over the year. She is a great vaulter, and nabbed several 9.9's on beam and even lead the country for a couple weeks in the row as the top beam scorer. Pretty amazing for an athlete that isn't always in the lineup. I've noticed she hasn't been mentioned this year yet, even when listing your potential competitors on vault and beam. Is this because she's injured? Where do you see Megan fitting into your team in her senior year? Thanks, and looking forward to another sensational year! Ainslie
Dear Ainslie: Thanks for asking about Megan. I was actually planning on doing my weekly video on Tuesday on Megan. I wanted to update the fans on her status....this answer will reflect what I was planning to say on the video.
Megan got off to a slow start due to her elbow surgery. Initially, we thought she would come back quickly and with no pain but that has not been the case. When we started mandatory at the end of September, Megan was still unable to put any weight on the arm without pain. It seems there is a ton of scar tissue and that is really no surprise to any of us. Megan has had ongoing problems with her elbow and knees throughout her career at Georgia. The good news is that about two weeks ago, she turned the corner. She is now participating in all the work outs and is practicing her yurchenko full, consistently. Megan is an impact player for us this year and we need her in the vault line up if we are going to make a run at another title.
On balance beam, she began full routines one week ago and had not been mentioned in the line up because she has been unable to participate in the intra squads. I expect that she will be competing in the next one as she has all of her skills back. She is not doing the onodi, though, due to the pressure on her elbow.
Thanks again for asking about Megan. She has shown tremendous leadership this year while dealing with and handling her personal challenges. Megan has never had an easy time with her gymnastics at Georgia because of the numerous surgeries and problems prior to college. She is a fighter, though, and has proven that she can be counted on when the green flag goes up.
