DEAR MEGHAN: I have this problem, I’m going to metros with an injury to my knee that limits my ability to perform consistently and at my maximum level. The other guy in my weight class is good, just not as good as me. If I go to metros, I risk ending my career early by possibly hurting my knee worse or tearing a ligament. What should I do? Give up my chances of sub-sectionals to play it safe? Or go all out? #toughchoices
DEAR TOUGH CHOICES: First of all, you should go to the athletic trainer and she can see what’s wrong with your knee. After that, there are two possibilities. If the knee is seriously injured, then going all out may injure it beyond repair and you may never be able to be a serious athlete again. If the knee has a slight tear then you should get it as healed as possible before metros. Ice it on and off and stay off of it as much as you can. Continue training but try to do exercises that do not involve the knee as much. If you are a smart and serious athlete, you should play it safe no matter how important the competition is.
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