World champion dealt another blow: Sofia Raffaeli to undergo surgery

Six-time world champion Italian rhythmic gymnast Sofia Raffaeli is set to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery in the coming days, TodayPress TV reports.

The information was announced by the press service of the Italian Gymnastics Federation.

The surgery is reportedly unrelated to the car accident Raffaeli was involved in 10 days ago.

Following the accident, Raffaeli underwent a medical examination and was treated in hospital for a short period. The examinations revealed multiple bruises in various areas, as well as wounds on her arm and forehead. Doctors ruled out serious complications.

The federation said the knee surgery had been planned in advance and was scheduled to take place after the World Championships. Therefore, the procedure is not related to the car accident.

Raffaeli’s rehabilitation programme will be carried out by the Italian Institute of Sports Medicine and Science. Functional assessments of the gymnast have already begun as part of the Italian national team’s preparations for the World Championships.

The federation noted that the car accident has not affected Sofia’s sporting activities and that she will be able to continue training in accordance with her scheduled medical and competition programme.

Namiq HUN