Elaine Thompson-Herah, Masai Russell, Sara Hall and more athletes react to Abby Steiner's emotional injury update following Paris Olympics

Modified Aug 15, 2024 17:07 GMT

Abby Steiner hoped to make her Olympic debut at the Paris Olympic Games but an injury unfortunately forced her out of the campaign. Following her update on her status, top athletes including Elaine Thompson-Herah, Masai Russell and Sarah Hall have come out in support as she recovers.

Steiner’s injury woes started last season when she was forced to undergo Haglund’s surgery on both her left and right feet. Steiner tried to make the team to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary but finished fourth. The U.S. Championships were her final event in 2023 before she came back in 2024, with the main focus on the Paris Olympic Games.

Going into the U.S. Olympic trials, Steiner finished sixth and will now shift focus to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Sharing her injury update on her Instagram handle, Steiner disclosed that after the Olympic trials, she could barely walk and had to do an MRI scan again, followed by another surgery. She vowed to fight and bounce back.

Her injury woes have garnered a lot of support from top athletes such as Thompson-Herah, who has had her fair share of struggles this season, commenting on her post. The Jamaican sprint queen said:

"I hope you get well soon ❤️‍🩹."

Elaine Thompson-Herah's comment- Source: Abby Steiner Instagram

Alongside Elaine Thompson-Herah, Masai Russell rallied behind the two-time world champion, promising that there is something better awaiting her on the other side.

"Damn this is heartbreaking 🥺 I wish I could give you a hug & tell you that you are so right, on the other side of this mountain it will be something special. Wishing you a speedy recovery❤️ love you," she said.

Masai Russell's comment- Source: Abby Steiner Instagram

Chiming in, Sara Hall encouraged Steiner, going down memory lane to the time when she had challenges and managed to bounce back stronger.

"My setbacks have always eventually led to breakthroughs— I know that will be the same for you 🤍," Hall said.

Sarah Hall's comment- Source: Abby Steiner's Instagram

Other top athletes who rallied behind Steiner include Trayvon Bromell who has struggled with injuries that forced him to miss the U.S. Olympic trials. Nigeria’s Favour Ofili and Trevor Bassitt also had words of encouragement in the comments.

Abby Steiner vows to bounce back stronger after injury woes

Abby Steiner has struggled with injuries in the past two seasons, having to undergo a series of surgeries and miss the Paris Olympic Games.

The two-time NCAA champion penned a lengthy message on her Instagram handle, giving an update about her injury and promising to bounce back.

"I’ve been trying to find a reason for this season and have definitely been feeling all the emotions with this. This sport can be really, really hard sometimes. But I also have dealt with enough adversity to know that greatness is usually on the other side of these mountains," Steiner wrote.

"Most of all I really love running pain free and I can’t wait to get back to that. I have a really good team around me and I’m thankful for that during these times. I’m gonna fight like hell to be back. See you on the track again soon (ish)," she added.

With the 2025 World Championships next in line, Steiner will be looking to make the U.S. team as she seeks a strong comeback. Her last World Championships was in 2022, where she finished fifth in the 200m, racing before the home crowd in Eugene.