Namita Nayyar:
You faced a life-threatening situation in 2019, by a serious laceration on your leg after a balcony collapse at a night club. What happened and how did you recover from it? Key to a healthy recovery from injury?
Kaleigh Gilchrist:
We won World Championships in South Korea and went out to celebrate! It was such an awesome night until the freak accident. The water polo community came together and helped all of those in need. I was severely injured and was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. I stayed in South Korea for a few extra days with our trainer Larnie and our team doctor, Dr. Seth Schmoll. My injury consisted of three torn muscles that took over a hundred stitches to repair.
I somehow managed to not break a bone and was millimeters away from nerve damage.I was so lucky looking back at the situation. Larnie our trainer named my rehab the “Mamba Mission” because Kobe has always been an inspiration to me and helped mentor me through the rehab. It takes on even more meaning now that he passed. I spent so many hours dedicated to the Mamba Mission. We did all sorts of creative exercises to relearn how to use my leg. I worked my way back from not even wiggling my toes to being one hundred percent. I’ve learned so much through the journey, but the most being that life is fragile and nothing is guaranteed so it’s so important to be present. It’s so important to laugh a lot, cry a lot and love a whole lot.
Namita Nayyar:
In the current pandemic situation, how do you keep yourself busy while staying at home? What are you looking forward to once all this is over?
Kaleigh Gilchrist:
I’ve enjoyed the time at home with my family and learning to slow down. I’ve managed to keep busy with workouts and meetings and time has flown by. I’m looking forward to hugging my loved ones when this is all over.
Namita Nayyar:
Share with us your current home workout routine?
Kaleigh Gilchrist:
I have access to a pool now so that’s helped me slowly feel the water and get back to swimming. Our strength and conditioning coach has set us up with at home workout circuits and a running program. I do blood flow restriction on the bike to build my leg strength. Foundation training every morning helps with posture, mobility and low back pain. The best part about being home is that I’ve been surfing more than I have in years! In summary, my workout routine is all over the place and not too sport specific at the moment. It’s just important for us to stay fit.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
