Stuck in 1st

Hope I'm not repeating...2005 LGT wagon with 5mt has a "sticky" first gear. Very hard to engage and disengage, but transmission runs normal once engaged. Shifts between all other gears are smooth and precise. The transmission makes no abnormal noise and seems fine otherwise. The problem arose after mashing gears while shifting between first and second on some particularly I'll advised driving maneuvers. Fluid is a redline synthetic product, cant remember which it was, done 1000 miles ago. It's full and clean. I'm thinking some linkage issue. Any feedback would be great before I tear her down. Thanks