BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Junior high jumper Derek Drouin sustained a foot injury while competing in the high jump last weekend at the Big Ten/SEC Challenge. The injury will require surgery and will cause Drouin to sit out the 2011 outdoor season. While recovery and rehab will take time, Indiana's medical staff expects Drouin to make a complete recovery. Drouin will seek a medical hardship redshirt for this outdoor season and return to competition once his rehab is complete.
Indiana track and field director and head coach Ron Helmer said it is tough to see a promising young athlete suffer an injury, but he is confident that with Drouin's attitude and maturity, he will work his way back.
"While we feel for any student-athlete who sustains an injury, this one is particularly difficult given the recent success Derek has enjoyed and the optimism we all share as we consider his potential to continue developing into one of the world's best high jumpers," said Helmer. "Our doctors tell us they are confident Derek will return to form in time and I'm sure Derek will approach this challenge as he has all others, with confidence, maturity, and the resolve to come back better than ever. He is in great hands with our outstanding medical and support staff and will be given all the support possible as he works his way through the challenges that lie ahead."
The junior from Corunna, Ontario, won his third NCAA title in the high jump, and his second-straight indoors on March 12, clearing a Canadian-record tying 7-7.75. His jump broke the all-time Big Ten record as well and earned him National Field Athlete of the Year honors. Drouin won his fourth Big Ten high jump crown as well, tying his own Big Ten meet record in the process, en route to Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year and Great Lakes Region Athlete of the Year honors as well. Drouin's meet-best at NCAAs moved him into a tie for third indoors all-time in the collegiate ranks. Drouin was also named to the watch list for "The Bowerman," the top prize in collegiate track and field.