Recurrent back issues have forced Georgia sophomore Amber Trani to take a medical retirement from the country's top NCAA women's gymnastics team.
Trani, who trained at Parkettes Gymnastics in Pennsylvania prior to going to college, was an exceptional vaulter and floorworker. She placed second on vault at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and helped a U.S. women's team that included Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson and Rebecca Bross win the team title. Prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials, where she finished 18th, Trani suffered a back injury in training.
She reaggravated the injury during Georgia's 2008 preseason workouts and redshirted her freshman season. A release from the team cited Trani's inability to maintain "any level of consistent training" this year due to back pain.
In past years, former elites forced to take early medical retirements from Georgia include Marie Fjordholm and 2002 World floor bronze medalist Samantha Sheehan.
Amber Trani, 2009 Gym Dogs Sneak Peek, Beam:
Amber Trani, 2007 Pan American Games Event Finals, Vault:
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