Sam Mewis, United States star midfielder, is one of the latest high-profile athletes whose career was cut short due to an indomitable knee injury. At 31, she announced her retirement, stating, "Unfortunately, my knee can no longer tolerate the impact that elite soccer requires."
The Arsenal club, for instance, suffered four ACL tears within six months, sidelining Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, and Laura Wienroither.
These injuries have not only impacted club-level play but also international competitions, with several players missing the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
The prevalence of ACL injuries among female athletes is now being viewed as an epidemic.
Research shows that women are up to eight times more likely to suffer ACL tears than men. This disparity is due to various factors, including biological or anatomical differences and environmental conditions like playing surfaces.
However, the issue is compounded by gendered sporting environments that often prioritize men's sports, leading to inferior resources and conditions for women.
The impact of these injuries is profound, both physically and mentally. For many female athletes, an ACL tear means a 12-month recovery period, loss of income, and the challenge of balancing rehabilitation with other work commitments.
The lack of full-time support staff and inadequate rehab facilities exacerbate the situation. The emotional toll is equally significant, with many athletes facing anxiety and stress during their recovery.
Investment in women's sports medicine research is crucial to address this issue. Initiatives like Medibank's 'ACL United' campaign, led by AFLW icon Erin Phillips, aim to raise awareness and promote research into ACL injuries. "We have to put more resources, awareness into this injury and figure out what we can do to reduce it," Phillips told ESPN.
The necessity for better grounds and facilities for women's sports is also paramount. Professional female athletes often compete on local grounds, which are not maintained to the same standards as men's sports venues, increasing the risk of injury.
As women's sports continue to grow in popularity and opportunity, the need for ongoing investment in research, facilities, and education becomes more pressing.
The current trend of ACL injuries not only hinders the careers of individual athletes but also threatens to deter the next generation of female athletes from pursuing their dreams in sports.
Read more on this story from multiple sources:
Daily Trojan
ESPN
PBS
Boston University