#WhyFrye – Hudson Gentry
October 27, 2026
From Injury to the World Stage: Hudson Gentry’s Remarkable Comeback
At just 17 years old, Hudson Gentry has already made a name for himself on the international wakeboarding stage. A junior at University Christian High School, Hudson has spent most of his life pursuing his passion for the sport, competing internationally since 2019 and consistently ranking among the world’s top young wakeboarders.
But in November 2025, an unexpected injury threatened to derail his competitive future.
While participating in a cable wakeboarding competition in Orlando, Florida, Hudson landed awkwardly during a trick, suffering a complete ACL tear along with injuries to his meniscus and MCL.
For an athlete accustomed to spending countless hours on the water, the diagnosis was devastating. Determined to return to competition, Hudson and his family met with multiple orthopedic surgeons before choosing Reid Russell, DO, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery.
For Hudson, the decision came down to trust.
“We met with Dr. Russell, and as soon as I met him, it kind of felt natural to go with him,” Hudson recalled. “It clicked. I felt like he was very good, and I trusted him.”
His father, Clay Gentry, said Dr. Russell’s understanding of the demands of competitive athletics and his thoughtful approach to treating a young, still developing athlete gave the family additional confidence in their decision.
On December 26, 2025, Hudson underwent surgery, beginning a challenging recovery that included approximately six weeks without bearing weight on his injured leg, followed by months of intensive rehabilitation.
Hudson approached recovery with the same determination that fueled his athletic success, attending physical therapy multiple times each week and steadily rebuilding his strength and confidence.
By June 2026, he was cleared to return to wakeboarding. Just weeks later, he traveled to Italy, where he earned second place at the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Championships. He followed that achievement with another second-place finish at the World Wakeboard Association (WWA) World Championships in Pine Mountain, Georgia.
“Originally, I wasn’t supposed to ride until September,” Hudson shared. “Getting the opportunity to go to Italy in July was great. It was very rewarding to see how the hard work paid off.”
Today, Hudson continues competing, training and considering his next goal: advancing to the professional ranks.
His journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication and the impact of specialized orthopedic care in helping young athletes return to the activities they love.
Hudson’s journey from injury to competition showcases the comprehensive sports medicine care available through FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 828.304.2527.
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