# @thehiddenopponent on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C59vCUSsQtq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/17798093-thehiddenopponent-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/65c8eeb0cf.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-04-20T01:19:37.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Hidden Opponent ©️ (@thehiddenopponent) — https://gondola.cc/thehiddenopponent

## Caption

“My team and I were at training camp when I developed a pain in my lower back, but I initially brushed it off as a sore muscle. It was common to be in pain all the time, as a Division 1 rower. But eventually the pain got to a point where I could not carry my boat up the dock with my teammates, because the lifting motion of putting it on my shoulder was excruciating.

It wasn’t until I had survived Big 12’s and trained at home, laying semi-paralyzed with pain on the dock, that I went home for an MRI. The surgeon found that I had not one, but two bulging discs in my lower lumbar. 

That injury, ultimately ended my career. 

With sport ending,  I  questioned what I would with my life now after putting all my identity into rowing and being an athlete for as long as I can remember.

But I realized, whether now or later, my athletic career would end, I just needed to accept that my time had come.

Identity is not in your sport. It must come from something greater. For those who are lonely and facing depression as student-athlete, know that even in the midst of the worst things, there will always be a good outcome on the horizon. I never realized the importance of mental health until I suffered this injury, and now I am a passionate advocate for it.”

Leave a 💚 in the comments to show your support for Alexa! And comment any tips below that helped you find your identity outside of sports!

#mentalhealth #lifeaftersport #mentalhealthawareness #thehiddenopponent #rowing #injury

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 1,934
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## Tags

mentalhealthawareness, lifeaftersport, injury, rowing, mentalhealth, thehiddenopponent

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