5 Famous Athletes Who Came Back from a Wrist Injury

By Dr. Terrell Joseph | Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

Whether you’re gripping ski poles on a black diamond run or swinging a tennis racket in a championship match, your wrist plays a critical role in performance. And for elite athletes, a wrist injury can sideline an entire season—or worse. But wrist injuries aren’t always the end of the story. Some of the world’s most iconic athletes have faced wrist fractures, ligament tears, and surgical recoveries—and returned stronger than ever.

“Wrist injuries can be incredibly limiting, especially for athletes who rely on grip strength, precision, and upper body control,” says Dr. Terrell Joseph, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and upper extremity specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. “The good news is—with expert care and a thoughtful rehab plan—most people can get back to doing what they love.”

Here are five famous athletes who made inspiring comebacks after wrist injuries—and what we can learn from their journey.

1. Simone Biles – Gymnastics

When Simone Biles suffered a wrist injury early in her elite gymnastics career, many feared it would halt her rapid rise. But Biles underwent a focused rehab program and returned to competition with even greater precision. Her ability to regain full wrist mobility and maintain elite-level tumbling is a testament to both her determination and her treatment team. For gymnasts, wrist stability is non-negotiable. Simone’s comeback highlights the importance of early diagnosis, proper bracing, and a progressive strength plan.

2. Stephen Curry – NBA

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry missed several games in 2019 with a broken left hand that required surgery and extensive rehab. Though the injury wasn't technically to the wrist joint itself, the recovery process impacted wrist strength, flexibility, and shooting mechanics. After months off the court, Curry returned to MVP form, silencing doubts and rewriting what’s possible after a significant upper extremity injury. His recovery emphasized not just healing, but reconditioning the kinetic chain—how the wrist interacts with the elbow, shoulder, and core.

3. Michelle Wie – Golf

Pro golfer Michelle Wie faced multiple wrist injuries throughout her career, including a torn ligament that required surgery. For golfers, the wrist absorbs tremendous force during swings, especially on off-center hits. Wie’s dedication to rehab and swing modification allowed her to return to the LPGA Tour and win the 2018 HSBC Women’s World Championship. Her experience reminds us that recovery isn’t just physical—it’s also about adapting your technique to protect the joint long-term.

4. Fernando Tatis Jr. – MLB

The Padres’ rising star suffered a left wrist fracture in 2022 that required surgery and a lengthy recovery. As a shortstop and power hitter, Tatis relies on explosive wrist action both at the plate and in the field. His return in 2023 was closely watched, and he didn’t disappoint—reclaiming his place as one of baseball’s most exciting players. His journey demonstrates that even for high-impact rotational sports, full recovery is possible with expert care, disciplined rehab, and strategic workload management.

5. Lindsey Vonn – Alpine Skiing

Wrist injuries in alpine skiing aren’t uncommon, given the high speeds, falls, and forceful pole planting. Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn sustained a wrist injury during training that required her to adjust her technique mid-season. True to form, Vonn powered through rehab and came back to compete at the highest level. Her resilience—and ability to ski aggressively while managing pain—underscores the importance of tailored treatment plans that consider both healing and performance goals.

The Takeaway:

Wrist injuries can be painful, frustrating, and even career-threatening—but they don’t have to be the end of your story. With a personalized treatment plan that may include bracing, physical therapy, or surgery, many athletes return to their sport stronger than before.

“These stories are inspiring because they remind us that the wrist is incredibly resilient,” says Dr. Joseph. “With the right diagnosis, skilled care, and the athlete’s own motivation, the outcomes can be excellent.”

Dr. Terrell Joseph specializes in treating upper extremity injuries—including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder—for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're recovering from a fall on the slopes or a repetitive overuse injury, Dr. Joseph and his team are here to help you get back to what you love.