Student Athlete Madi DeRuyter Continues to Persevere Through Injury

Los Angeles native Madi DeRuyter has been heavily involved in sports her entire life. From picking up gymnastics at the age of two to switching to diving at the age of 13 due to injury concerns, it is no wonder her attitude towards sports has not diminished throughout her long career.

But injury came along six months ago affecting her spinal disks. It was caused by an exercise in the weight room with her Fresno State teammates and has changed her path for the time being as she recovers.

“Even though she is injured, she always shows up for practice and has always been very positive and supportive of all of us,” said teammate Silvia Alessio. “I think she has dealt with this situation very well.”

DeRuyter’s gymnastics background has helped her stay active throughout her injury, however. She works at the Break the Barriers gymnastics club in Fresno where she specializes in coaching disabled children. DeRuyter has worked at Break the Barriers for the past year and said it has provided new and exciting challenges while she cannot dive.

“It has been hard from going from a team setting, cheering on my teammates, to a recreational setting – not only just with younger kids, but kids with disabilities. It’s a challenge, but I’m a kid deep down, too. I can handle this!” DeRuyter said.

DeRuyter is close to the end of the road to recovery and hopes to be back in the pool within the next few weeks. This is thanks to her positive attitude and resting when she needs to and pushing herself through certain situations.

Kieron Andrade works with DeRuyter at Break the Barriers.

“Because she is hurt, she is like, ‘Hey, I know my limitations, but I’m not going to let that slow me down at all.’ Being an athlete, student and coach isn’t easy and she inspires a lot of the children here,” Andrade said.