Galen Rupp: Achilles Tendon Rupture
In the world of distance running, few names evoke as much respect and admiration as Galen Rupp, who garnered massive achievements over the peak of his career from 2009-2018. In addition to being a 4 time Olympian, he also holds American records in the 10 mile and indoor 2 mile. Rupp also took silver at the 2012 Olympics held in London, as well as taking bronze in the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. However, since an Achilles tendon rupture in 2018, he has never been able to fully return to his former glory.
2018 Post Chicago Marathon
Just 12 days after finishing the Chicago Marathon and taking 5th place in an impressive time of 2:06:21, Rupp underwent surgery to correct his Haglund Syndrome. This condition, characterized by a bony bump on his heel that rubbed against his Achilles tendon, had caused two partial tears to the Achilles as well as Achilles tendonitis. Consequently, Rupp sacrificed other races he had previously planned to participate in to focus on his recovery over the next 3 months.
Achilles Tendon rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury involving a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon, a strong fibrous band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is essential for activities like walking, running, and jumping. An Achilles tendon rupture often occurs during activities that involve sudden and forceful movements, such as pushing off or jumping, which commonly occurs in running.
Treatment
Despite the major setback, Rupp has decided to undergo surgery on his Achilles which needed to be reshaped and re-attached. Rupp’s doctor mentioned if Rupp had postponed the injury further, his Achilles may have had a chance to fully rupture, leading to a much longer recovery time and further hindering his progress in the athletic world.
After sustaining the injury, he was confined to a cast for an entire month. He plans to run again in 3 months, intending to cross-train during the following months of his recovery.
Sources
"Galen Rupp's Achilles Injury." Runner's World, 14 Oct. 2018, www.runnersworld.com/news/a24182149/galen-rupp-achilles-injury/.
"Galen Rupp is recovering from an Achilles injury." My Best Runs, www.mybestruns.com/rnd/Galen_Rupp_is_recovering_from_an_Achilles_injury.
"Galen Rupp Out of Spring Marathon After Foot Surgery." FloTrack, 2 Feb. 2019, www.flotrack.org/articles/6257381-galen-rupp-out-of-spring-marathon-after-foot-surgery#:~:text=Galen%20Rupp%20is%20recovering%20from%20surgery%20to%20repair,heel%20bone%20that%20rubbed%20against%20his%20Achilles%20tendon.
User, Anonymous. "Galen Rupp Achilles Surgery." LetsRun.com, 26 Oct. 2018, www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=9075556.