Miranda Lund looking for All-Around success at state tournament

It’s been a mix of injuries and triumphs for Miranda Lund, and now the Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK gymnast is hoping for the ultimate triumph.

After coming back from an injury, Lund completed her senior season undefeated in the All-Around and she’s looking to complete her streak at the New York State Gymnastics Championship on Saturday at Cold Spring Harbor.

How does success taste? Not like coffee because Lund just isn’t a fan.

“It’s a good thing I don’t like coffee because I’d be addicted by now,” Lund laughed. “Although my high school career was busy with two practices (a day), I wouldn’t do anything different. I’ve learned so much about myself . . . and I’ve gained a sense of confidence when trying new things both in and out of the gym.”

Confidence is key for Lund and something she’s developed over time. She started the sport at the age of five and has been climbing ever since.

But Lund’s had some hiccups. Her freshman year she tore a ligament in her left elbow performing a hiccup on the uneven bars. It’s a transition move from the low bar to the high bar.

After rehabbing from the injury, Lund had a breakout sophomore year. At the state championships, she placed first in the All-Around and on beam, second on floor, third on vault and ninth on the uneven bars.

But her junior year she tore the ligament again, requiring surgery.

“Overcoming injuries has shown me that I can come back stronger,” Lund said. “I love the constant challenges of gymnastics . . . There’s always something to improve on so you’re never bored.”

In reality, Lund doesn’t have time to be bored. Besides her two practices a day, Lund has club obligations that include coaching the club two days a week.

In the fall, Lund will attend Cornell University, specifically the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences where she’ll be majoring in biometry and statistics.

“Lund is so humble,” coach Debbie Rut said. “She wasn’t bitter when she was injured her junior year. She was at every practice and every meet alongside the girls. The day after her surgery she was back in school because she couldn’t miss a physics exam.”

On Saturday, Lund is aiming to reclaim her title as the number one All-Arounder in the state, leaving her mark on Long Island gymnastics.

“Setbacks, like injuries, aren’t permanent and do not mean defeat,” Lund said. “I hope that I’ve been able to help my school and my club teammates in some way over the years with the lessons I’ve learned. I’m looking forward to cheering on my Cornell teammates in the fall.”

Here’s a look at Long Islanders in the competition:

ALL-AROUND

Nicole Jackson, Half Hollow Hills

Haylie Kelly, Babylon

Jessica Lopez, POBJFK

Kerin Spadaro, Bay Shore / Islip

Joanna Signorile, Carle Place

FLOOR EXERCISE

Erin Agoglia, South Side

Bella Kelly, Babylon

Sarah Moussa, Connetquot

Gillian Murphy, Massapequa

Grace O’Sullivan, Ward Melville

Payton Waller, South Side

VAULT

Emma Gehrig, Oceanside

Grace Glennon, West Babylon

Kaylie McDonald, Valley Stream

Gillian Murphy, Massapequa

Amanda Pisano, Connetquot

Alexis Smith, Connetquot

UNEVEN BARS

Allison Cohen, Long Beach

Gina Cutillo, Newfield/Middle Country,

Christelle Louis, Carle Place

Gillian Murphy, Massapequa

Kaleigh Pensavalle, Lindenhurst

Brittney Viera, Smithtown

BEAM

Cassie Bergin, East Islip

Christelle Louis, Carle Place

Sarah Moussa, Connetquot

Jen Mullan, Massapequa

Gillian Murphy, Massapequa

Brittney Viera, Smithtown