April 15, 2013
By Matt Allibone, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa- When Penn State gymnast Nihir Kothari was named an All-American at the end of last season, he figured the toughest challenges of his gymnastics career were in the past.
After all, having gone from a walk-on who didn't even make the team as a freshman to one of the best still ring competitors in the country as a junior, there didn't seem to be anything else that could hold him back.
That was until one preseason practice on Oct. 16.
While practicing a rings dismount, Kothari landed awkwardly and felt a sharp pain in his right knee. A trip to the doctors confirmed that the senior had torn his ACL and both his menisci less than three months before his final season was to begin.
"It was definitely a really scary moment," said Kothari. "Initially we hoped it wasn't fully torn but as soon as I got an MRI it was confirmed."
Faced with the prospect of a nine month recovery and with the NCAA Championships only six months away, the Malvern, Pa. native wasted no time feeling sorry for himself.
Within days of his injury he was already researching ACL injuries in order to find any methods that would help him return to the mat before the season was over.
"The firs thing that went through my mind was how fast I could get the surgery scheduled," said Kothari. "I knew every day I waited was taking away from a day I could have to compete at the end of the year."
After having surgery on Nov 8, 2012, Kothari quickly got himself started on a rigorous rehabilitation plan that included numerous different workouts.
"I've done a lot of extra weight lifting as well as stuff like cross training and swimming," said Kothari. "It was a very rewarding opportunity that helped me build up an even stronger mentality."
That mentality and work ethic is what has endeared Kothari so much to the rest of the Nittany Lions.
Seeing him stay so positive in such a frustrating situation has motivated the senior's teammates while helping them keep their own struggles in perspective.
"Seeing him work his butt off just shows how passionate he his and how much he wants to help this team," said senior Tony Beck. "The drive that he has showed [during his injury] has really helped motivate us."
For Kothari, keeping a positive attitude while watching his teammates compete without him throughout an undefeated regular season certainly was not easy.
Knowing that many of the Nittany Lions younger gymnasts already looked up to him gave him the necessary motivation to fight through the frustration.
"Being a senior I knew I had to lead by example and show that this experience wasn't going to faze me," said Kothari. "I knew I had to be an inspiration to the younger guys to show them that if I can do it they can do it, too."
Through his remarkable dedication and workout plan, Kothari managed to get back on the rings on March 16 to perform an exhibition routine on senior night in Rec Hall, just over four months after his surgery took place.
With his rehab continuing to make enormous strides, the former All-American is nearly ready to compete in next week's NCAA Championships, an enormous accomplishment considering the amount of time he was originally expected to miss.
Although Kothari knows that the biggest role he will most likely have at nationals is competing in the preliminary's to give his teammates rest, the thought of helping the team in any capacity is all that's on his mind.
"Having the chance to compete and feel the pride of being a Nittany Lion is all I can ask for at this point," said Kothari. "We're looking to win [a title], so even if I can give someone else the opportunity to make it to the team finals would be so rewarding."
No matter how much Kothari is able to give the Nittany Lions in their quest for a national championship; it is clear that his effect on the program will not be soon forgotten.
"We talk all the time about giving your best but his commitment and dedication just speaks volumes about the type of person he is," said head coach Randy Jepson. "He's top notch and there's no doubt in my mind he's going to be a huge success in life."
--NITTANY LIONS--