Athletes from any sport are unfortunately no stranger to injuries, and perhaps no single incident has demonstrated this more than having had competed with a serious injury. In this moment, one's skill level is out of focus, and all muscle memory is on the side line, while a brutal mental battle takes place.

Highly focused on ignoring pain and doubt - this would become Monster Army athlete Alexa Muss's mental battle that would shape her week while she prepared for the 2017 Vans US Open of Surf - in Huntington Beach, California.

After having specialists suggest surgery & even possibly pulling out of the Jr. Women's event at the US Open, Alexa Muss did her best to stay positive.

While waiting on the WSL to confirm heat times, Alexa spent most of her time out of the water and with trainers working on the injured shoulder.

"Finding out I had a serious shoulder injury before the event, beat me down" said Muss as she explains the week leading up to the round 1 heat. "Sadly enough, I beat myself before I even got in the water, I told myself in my mind I had already lost."

As the sun rose over Huntington Beach, California on the morning of August 4th, all eyes were on the premier surfers that had arrived to compete in the Vans US Open.

Little could anyone see or understand as a determined Alexa Muss paddled into her round 1 heat, emotionless, fighting an internal battle, going head to head with a dismantled shoulder.

The shoulder that would generate the speed needed for a proper take off.

The shoulder that supports resistance as one pushes up and off the deck of the board.

The shoulder that would be her axis and guide through every scorable movement.

These thoughts crowded Alexa's mind as she pushed through the pain.

"I kept trying and going, but with all the pain I just wanted to paddle in" said Muss, "with everything in me, I kept trying and trying, I just had to push myself no matter what."

As might be expected, Alexa drawing Minori Kawai from Japan was eliminated in an early round. Minori scoring a 5.67 and a 6.83 & capturing the highest wave score of the heat. "I pushed past what I thought was possible, which felt like a win at the end of the day," explained Alexa.

The US Open was a triumph for Alexa Muss in the sense that, problems such as injuries are a part of life and growing. No one has ever become a champion before the blood, the sweat, and all the tears.

For Alexa Muss, this story ends with positive vibes:

"You have to be the greatest loser to be the best winner, & you're going to lose! I'm okay with losing, because I gave it everything I could have!" - Alexa Muss

------------

Follow Alexa

Monster Army - /alexamuss

Instagram - @alexa_muss