The pain was nagging, but going to the state cross country meet was worth the pain.

The problem started in the middle of cross country season for Elvir Sarajlic (12). With pain in his hip extending down his leg, he went to districts, sectionals, and state. What he didn’t know was that he had torn his labrum halfway through the season and kept running.

Elvir fell at the starting line on his right hip at state. The race had to restart, but Sarajlic did not finish the race because he felt too much pain. A week later, he was at the hospital getting an MRI.

Sarajlic got surgery on his right labrum on Dec. 23. Recovery takes 3-4 months.

“I’ve been on crutches for five and a half weeks,” Sarajlic said. Yesterday, Jan. 30, he got off the crutches after five weeks and three days. Now he will begin a 6-week stint of physical therapy.

Sarajlic is hoping to start running again in mid-March or early April. Last season, he went to state for track and placed 7th in the 1600 meter race.

“Track’s my favorite sport. This year I thought I could contend for a state championship in the mile,” Sarajlic said disappointedly. “I have to get in shape. Maybe by districts I’ll feel good enough to hop back in there and race at the level I want to.”