Quitting Elite Gymnastics Over Injury, Oklahoma Sooners’ Jordan Bowers Gets Candid on NCAA Journey Coming Full Circle

Jordan Bowers’ path to elite gymnastics has been anything but typical. For years, the Oklahoma Sooners’ standout gymnast fought against injuries, managing both the physical and mental strain that came with being one of the top athletes in the sport. But in a twist of fate, Bowers’ journey is marked by her decision to step away from elite gymnastics before making the decision to make a full-circle return to the collegiate gymnastics world. Her candid story about navigating challenges, setbacks, recovery, and resilience offers an inspiring narrative for anyone facing adversity in their own athletic career.

Bowers, who has since become a key part of the University of Oklahoma’s gymnastics program, isn’t just a champion in her sport; she’s a testament to perseverance. Her journey is one that demonstrates how gymnastics is not only about physical ability, but also about mental toughness, resilience, and the will to keep going when the odds seem stacked against you. Her decision to join the Sooners, and later her personal reflections on what it means to be part of one of the most successful gymnastics programs in the country, are a testament to the strength it takes to navigate the challenges of life at the highest level.

The Early Years: Rising Through the Ranks of Elite Gymnastics

Jordan Bowers began her gymnastics journey at a young age, joining the sport before she could even comprehend the extent of her talent. It didn’t take long for coaches to notice her unique blend of power, flexibility, and precision. Bowers quickly moved up through the ranks of gymnastics, competing at local meets and impressing at the regional and national levels. By the time she reached her teenage years, her potential as an elite gymnast was undeniable.

As a young gymnast, Bowers was already facing the pressures that come with competing at the highest levels. Gymnastics, often considered one of the most demanding sports, requires athletes to balance strength, flexibility, and technical skill while pushing their bodies to the limit. As the years passed, Bowers moved closer to joining the ranks of elite gymnasts in the country.

However, with success came the inevitable challenge: injuries.

The Toll of Injury: Jordan Bowers Faces Setbacks in Elite Gymnastics

Gymnastics is notorious for its toll on the body. The high-impact routines, constant training, and the need for perfection can lead to injuries, many of which are career-threatening. For Bowers, this reality became all too familiar as she began experiencing significant physical challenges.

A torn ACL, fractures in her ankles, and various soft tissue injuries set Bowers back multiple times. At one point, it seemed like the dream of competing at the highest levels of gymnastics was slipping away. The constant battle to recover and stay at the top level began to take a toll on Bowers both physically and mentally. She was faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether to continue her career or step away.

Bowers has been open about how injuries affected her mindset and her sense of self-worth. “At times, I felt like I was just fighting to keep going, and I wasn’t sure if I could anymore,” Bowers admitted in a recent interview. “It felt like my body wasn’t mine anymore. I couldn’t do the things I used to do, and every time I would get close to healing, I’d be faced with another injury.” It was this persistent cycle of injury and recovery that eventually led to Bowers deciding to take a break from elite gymnastics.

Stepping Away: The Decision to Quit Elite Gymnastics

In 2020, Jordan Bowers made the difficult decision to step away from elite gymnastics. After years of battling injuries, she reached a breaking point, knowing that her body needed time to heal fully. The decision to step away was not taken lightly, especially after years of dedication and sacrifice. But for Bowers, the future of her health and well-being became the priority.

Leaving elite gymnastics meant leaving behind a dream that she had worked tirelessly for since she was a young girl. It wasn’t just a career in gymnastics — it was her identity. The weight of that loss was immense, and Bowers has since shared how difficult it was to walk away from something she had known for so long.

“It was a tough decision. For so long, gymnastics was my entire life. I had invested everything into it. And then to walk away, it felt like I was giving up on myself and the dream I had,” she explained.

But Bowers knew that in order to be healthy again and rediscover her love for the sport, stepping away was the only choice. “It was important to give myself the time and space I needed,” Bowers said. “I had to put my health first.”

The Return to Gymnastics: Finding Purpose in College Athletics

While Bowers took a step back from elite gymnastics, she didn’t lose her passion for the sport. It wasn’t long before she began to consider the possibility of returning to gymnastics, but this time with a different approach. College gymnastics, particularly at a powerhouse program like the University of Oklahoma, presented a new opportunity — one that could provide a fresh start and a healthier environment for her to thrive.

Bowers had already proven her talent at the highest level of gymnastics, so the idea of competing at the NCAA level seemed like a natural progression. But her return to gymnastics wasn’t just about competing for titles or medals; it was about rediscovering her love for the sport on her own terms. “I wanted to get back to a place where I could enjoy gymnastics again. I wasn’t focused on being perfect anymore; I just wanted to have fun and grow as an athlete,” she said.

In late 2021, Bowers made the decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most successful and prestigious gymnastics programs in the country. The Sooners had already established themselves as perennial contenders, and Bowers saw this as an opportunity to contribute to an already stacked team while also finding balance in her gymnastics career.

Finding Success at Oklahoma: A New Beginning in NCAA Gymnastics

Bowers’ decision to join Oklahoma was a game-changer for her both physically and mentally. Under the guidance of legendary head coach K.J. Kindler, Bowers was able to gradually build her strength and confidence without the constant pressure of elite competition. The transition from elite gymnastics to NCAA gymnastics allowed her to take things at her own pace, focusing on recovery, technique, and most importantly, enjoying the sport again.

In her first season with the Sooners, Bowers made an immediate impact. She was able to contribute to her team’s success, helping Oklahoma continue its dominance in NCAA gymnastics. But for Bowers, the biggest win was her personal growth and the realization that she had come full circle. “Coming to Oklahoma was the best decision I ever made,” she shared. “I was able to find a way to balance my passion for gymnastics with my health. I didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other anymore.”

The Mental Game: Bowers Opens Up About Mental Health Challenges

While physical injuries had undoubtedly been a major challenge for Bowers, she has also been outspoken about the mental health struggles that often go unnoticed in the world of gymnastics. The pressure to constantly perform, maintain a perfect physique, and push through pain can weigh heavily on athletes, particularly in such a demanding sport.

“I think mental health is something that gets overlooked in gymnastics,” Bowers said candidly. “Everyone talks about physical injuries, but mental health is just as important. I had to learn how to deal with the stress, the expectations, and the pressure to be perfect. And honestly, that was just as hard, if not harder, than the physical stuff.”

Bowers’ openness about her mental health struggles has been incredibly refreshing and has sparked important conversations within the gymnastics community. It’s clear that, for Bowers, her journey was about more than just overcoming injuries — it was also about learning to care for herself mentally, emotionally, and physically.

A Full Circle Moment: Bowers Reflects on Her Journey

As Bowers heads into her senior year at Oklahoma, her journey feels like it has come full circle. From stepping away from elite gymnastics due to injuries to finding a new passion and purpose at the collegiate level, Bowers has grown not only as a gymnast but as a person. Her story serves as an inspiration to athletes who face adversity, reminding them that it’s okay to take a step back, prioritize health, and rediscover what truly matters.

Reflecting on her journey, Bowers has come to appreciate the resilience it took to keep going when everything seemed uncertain. “I didn’t know if I would ever come back to gymnastics, let alone compete at this level again. But the love for the sport never went away, and I’m so grateful that I found my way back,” she said.

For Bowers, it wasn’t just about returning to the sport she loved. It was about coming back stronger, more confident, and more balanced than ever before. She’s not just a gymnast; she’s a fighter, a leader, and a role model for anyone who has faced setbacks in their athletic career.

The Future: Bowers’ Legacy at Oklahoma

As Jordan Bowers continues her NCAA career at Oklahoma, she is set to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the floor. While her performances in competition will continue to be impressive, her journey — from stepping away from elite gymnastics to finding success in college — will be remembered as one of resilience, strength, and hope.

Oklahoma’s gymnastics program is known for producing champions, and with Bowers continuing to grow and evolve, it’s clear she will be an integral part of the team’s future success. But beyond the gold medals and titles, her story is one that proves that there’s always a path forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

Bowers’ journey is one of redemption, and it’s far from over. As she heads into the 2025 season, one thing is certain: Jordan Bowers has not only come full circle but is just getting started.