There is something that stands between an injured athlete and her love of the game - the injury. There are a few things that you should never say to an injured athlete, whether it is a major or a minor injury. The hardest thing that we go through is the rehab and the mending of the fact that we are without the ability to play the sport that we love for a few days, weeks, or, if bad enough, even months. Some injuries are worse than others, but what differs the most is the mental strength that each athlete endures. These few points would make or break some athletes depending on how it is said and in the context of the situation.
Are you even trying to get better?
This question will make someone tick, especially if said at the wrong moment of time. This is the question that can also send someone over the edge to where they give up on themselves.
Are you actually hurt?
This question gets me more than anything; just because I look healthy does not mean I am not injured. The one time we were playing a team at home and I had walked by them and they had said to their other teammates that I must not be injured, yet they could not see my bulky brace, nor did they know that I had just gotten off crutches earlier that day.
How long are you out for?
This is the typical question asked to all injured athletes and it does not bother you to answer the first, the second, or even the third time, but once asked about ten times, you just want to write it on a piece of paper and staple it to your forehead. It is just an annoying question after you hear it so much, so if it's answered with attitude, do not be surprised.
Is that really how you got injured?
No, I did not take time out of my day to just make up some kind of lie in order to make my injury sound more realistic. That is how I got injured and I have no reason to lie about it. It was an unfortunate event, but yet I am still pushing through to get back.
Being an injured athlete sucks and it is even worse when it is a prolonged injury. So when you see an injured athlete, do not question them. Just say, "I hope you get better soon.”
