Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Harlowe Grozio ’28 isn’t fully healthy, but she’s talented and healthy enough to still be very competitive in her area of expertise.

Still nicked up from previous injuries, Harlowe medaled in all four events and placed fourth in the all-around competition in a field of 30 gymnasts in her category at the Rhode Island Invitational on Dec. 5-7 in East Greenwich.

“This year, I am finally able to have the season I have been waiting so long for, despite ongoing back, knee and hip problems,” Harlowe explained. 

Competing at Level 7, Harlowe placed third on the vault, fourth on the bars, second on the beam and third in the floor exercise. Ironically, her balance beam has grown into one of her betters events because of her previous setbacks.

“In 2023, I placed second out of all Level 5 athletes in Massachusetts,” Harlowe said. “This was a huge accomplishment of mine because it was my first season back after breaking both of the bones in my left wrist. Unfortunately, after that meet, I injured my right elbow and was unable to do much gymnastics outside of conditioning for a few months going into the summer. In early 2024, I fractured my tailbone and went through an intensive recovery process, including physical therapy and spinal trigger point injections. 

“My best event is balance beam, which I think in large part is due to the significant time I was able to focus on my balance and coordination because of all my injuries - silver lining, I suppose,” she said.

Harlowe has participated in gymnastics since before she could walk. She hopes to be healthy and competitive at this year’s state meet.

“Even though gymnastics is a physically and mentally challenging sport, I keep coming back because I truly love it,” she said. “I’ve done it for my whole life and it has helped shape (me into) the person I am today. I am proud of my discipline and grit and I have made so many amazing friends, had wonderful coaches and enjoyed some incredible opportunities, including meeting Olympians Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas.”