Elias Gerald overcomes hospital scare in 2nd place finish for USC

It has been an incredible past couple of days for USC high jumper Elias Gerald. Recently admitted to the ER due to nosebleeds and headaches, the junior was able to fight through this adversity and made his way to the track for the Big Ten Championship, taking place this weekend in Eugene, Oregon.

In an incredible turnaround, Gerald managed to overcome his latest health scare and still manage to compete at a high level for the BIG competition. His second-place finish during the high jump gave the Trojans the first points of the weekend.

Gerald cleared a high jump of 2.14 meters (7 feet ¼ inch) to secure a second-place tie with Illinois' Kamyren Garrett. Nebraska's Tyus Wilson came in first.

For Gerald, it is quite the feat that he and the rest of the team and his family can proudly look on. Had the third-year Trojan elected to sit out and exercise caution regarding his participation over the weekend, no one would have faulted him.

Instead, in something that meant a lot to Gerald, he decided to press forward anyway and find the strength and willpower needed to be among the top finishers in his event. Considering how he could have easily not been part of the weekend roster, it makes this second place that much more impressive from the Trojan.

Speaking after the final results, Gerald shared the emotions that were going through his mind at the moment. He explained, as shared by the team's X account:

"It's been a roller coaster, crazy ride. I've seen the track and I've seen the ER in under 48 hours."

Gerald would go on to single out and extend his gratitude to those who had shown him support during what must have been a difficult time for the student-athlete.

Maybe it's the motorcycle rider within, but listening to him speak, Gerald gives off a sense of daring bravery. He likely knows that he would have been given something of a pass had he not jumped in Eugene, but it is clear that he was not going to let this hurdle stand in his way of participating in the competition.

With the Big Ten action set to wrap up on Sunday, this is one of the more incredible stories of the weekend from all collegiate athletes.