“So Sorry”: Ana Barbosu Heartbroken as Gymnastics Community Extends Support to 19-Year-Old’s Medical Setback

World Championships finalist, two-time World Cup medalist, and four-time European Championships finalist—this is the impressive portfolio of a young gymnastics star. Recently, at the 2025 European Championships, Jennifer Williams topped balance beam qualifications with a stunning 14.533 before finishing 6th in the beam final with 12.533. On floor, she qualified 3rd with 13.433 and placed 8th in the final with 11.933. However, she will not be competing in any more World Cups this year. Why?

Jennifer Williams announced via her Instagram today, “Earlier this week during training I partially ruptured my PCL. I’ll be in a knee brace for the next three months and will need some extra time to fully recover. It’s tough and a bit defeating after all the hard work I’ve put into preparing for the World Cup in Paris and Worlds later this year.” The 2025 gymnastics calendar includes the Paris World Challenge Cup (September 13–14 at Accor Arena) and the 53rd World Championships in Jakarta (October 19–25).

Sadly, due to her injury, the four-time European champion will miss both these events, news that left her fans exclaiming “NOOOOO.” Olympian Ana Barbosu commented, “I’m so sorry this happened to you! Wishing you a speedy recovery, and I can’t wait to be teammates at Stanford! 🙏🏻💙.” Indeed, Williams is set to compete for the Stanford Cardinal starting in the 2026–2027 NCAA season.

Her caption further read, “But on the bright side, I now get to start my journey at Stanford a little earlier, and I couldn’t be more excited about that! I’m so thankful for my amazing team, friends, and family who are supporting me through all of this🤍.” The Swedish gymnast has committed to compete for the Stanford Cardinal starting in the 2026–2027 NCAA season. This positive outlook offers encouragement amid the disappointment.

Gymnastics Community Stands with the 19-Year-Old

Fans responded with heartfelt support. One wrote, “Nooooo not my beam queen I was manifesting she finally had a chance to medal. Wishing her a speedy recovery and all the best.” Williams has been a promising beam talent, finishing 6th at the European Championships with a 12.533 total (6.1 D-score, 6.433 E-score) and earning bronze at the Osijek World Cup with a 13.300 total (6.1 D-score, 7.2 E-score).

Another fan said, “I knowwww this felt like her year!!” Her Osijek score was over a point higher than her previous best beam score. Yet another fan wrote, “Nooo I hate this! Wishing her a full recovery—hoping we can see her at next year’s Worlds!” The 54th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships are scheduled for October 17–25, 2026, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, giving hope for her return.

Messages of kindness continued: “You got this, so proud of you and the incredible strength you have💕💕💕” and “You are the best, everything will be alright! ❤❤.” Everyone hopes for a smooth recovery and a strong comeback for this 19-year-old gymnastics talent as soon as possible.