'Biggest whoa in my life,' gymnast shares recovery story

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) - A high school gymnast from Clear Lake is gearing up for her junior year season after suffering numerous injuries while competing.

Laycee Andersen knows firsthand that the mental obstacles were just as hard to overcome as the physical ones.

Since she was three years old, Laycee Andersen has been a competitive gymnast.
But in 2022 she would have a major setback. She dislocated both of her elbows while doing the sport she loves.

"It was probably the biggest whoa in my life. Like, I got to take a break now. It was so hard to be away from gymnastics for that long in the middle of the season, it was tough," Laycee said.

"When you get the phone call that they're calling an ambulance. Just terrifying," Stacy Andersen, Laycee's mom said.

After several months, Andersen was healed and ready for the upcoming season until it happened again.

"So our practice started November 1 and I got injured on November 10, 2022, and dislocated my ankle," Laycee said.

Julia Lin:
So you're thinking you're finally ready to go back to compete and then this happens. What was kind of going through your mind?

"I was like, 'I got to quit gymnastics'. This is not good, I can't do this anymore. It was so hard," Laycee said.

After recovering for a second time, Laycee started meeting with Sanford Health sports psychologist and licensed clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Jos...