June 15, 2012

STANFORD, Calif. -- Erica McLain ('08) was a three-time NCAA Champion for the Cardinal and an Olympian in Beijing following her senior year. She was developing into the top triple jumper in the U.S. and one of the best in the world, until March of 2011 when everything took a turn.

She was practicing with coach Edrick Floreal and on the second phase of the triple jump, leaped to far, landing with one foot half in and half out of the pit. Her ankle gave out and the dislocation caused her foot to flip completely upside down. All of her ankle ligaments were torn and tibia broke through her skin.

The injury was so devastating, some doctors thought she would never compete in athletics again. However, McLain would have none of that. She worked tirelessly to rehab her ankle and attempt to regain form.

Less than a year after the injury, she made the World Indoor Team in the triple jump and beginning next week will be one of the top U.S. competitors in the triple jump at the Olympic Trials.

McLain knows what making an Olympic Team is all about, but this time her quest has tested the limits of what an elite athlete can handle.