It was a difficult moment, one that left the gymnastics community shaken. On July 23, during the Men’s team final at the Summer Universiade in Essen, 23-year-old Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a serious fall from the rings. He had trained for years for that moment, but one wrong landing changed everything. He struck the mat neck-first and didn’t move. The arena held its breath. Paramedics acted fast, and Lorenzo was rushed to the University Hospital. Surgeons performed cervical spine surgery. He was placed in a medically induced coma. In the latest turn of events, the Italian Gymnastics Federation’s involvement brings all eyes to the next steps ahead…
Professor Andrea Ferretti, president of the newly formed FGI Medical Commission and director of the CONI Institute of Sports Medicine, visited Essen, Germany, today to meet with neurosurgeons at the University Hospital. The purpose was to understand the condition of gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli. His visit has shed light on the nature of the injury sustained by the 23-year-old.
As the Italian Gymnastics Federation reports, as translated, “From the consultation, after a thorough analysis of his current clinical condition, it emerged that Lorenzo is suffering from a cervical sprain with subluxation of the fifth vertebra, which was promptly and flawlessly reduced surgically. Unfortunately, he remains suffering from neurological damage, the extent of which cannot yet be assessed.” However horrific that may sound, the good news is he is now stable. The report mentioned that Lorenzo is “in good general condition but to facilitate breathing he was given a tracheotomy. At least an additional week of hospitalization will be required before his resignation can be assumed.”
Though a tracheotomy has been performed to ease his breathing. He will need at least another week of hospitalization before his discharge can be considered. Another update is that Ferretti “is in constant contact with Federal President Andrea Facci, who himself visited “Bonni” last Sunday to personally assess his health, and has already initiated procedures for his transfer, with maximum security, to a rehabilitation center in Italy.”
BAU// 11.11.2023 Ludwigsburg Turnen Gerätturnen MTV Ludwigsburg vs. Siegerländer KV, Lorenzo Bonicelli MTV am Reck *** BAU 11 11 2023 Ludwigsburg Gymnastics Apparatus gymnastics MTV Ludwigsburg vs Siegerländer KV, Lorenzo Bonicelli MTV on high bar
Perhaps the best news, and much to the relief of fans, is that Lorenzo is alert and surrounded by the loving affection of his mother, Vania, father Simone, and girlfriend Lisa Rigamonti. His sister has also made her presence there, making a heartfelt confession about him alongside his girlfriend.
Lorenzo Bonicelli’s family stands in support
Seeing your brother crashing on his neck is a sight that on sister would wish to see. Lorenzo’s sister, Gloria Bonicelli, visited him in the hospital and made an Instagram post on July 27. Posting a photo of her holding his hand, which had an IV cannula attached, she wrote,“Thank you all for the love you’re showing us during these difficult days. We’re here in Germany to pass that love on to Lorenzo. His condition is stable, but we’re now facing a new and delicate phase. A sincere thank you to everyone who continues to stand by us — your support, in any form, means the world. #insiemeaBonni.” This came as a relief to the concerned gymnastics community to have some update on the star.
On July 27, Italian gymnast Lisa Rigamonti and his girlfriend shared an emotional update on Lorenzo Bonicelli’s condition, posting a photo of herself holding his hand, visibly connected to medical devices. She thanked everyone for their support. “Let’s make him feel all our strength and support to face the days ahead. The more we are, the better. He feels all of us. Thank you to those who will continue to be there: your support, in any form, will be essential. #insiemeaBonni,” she concluded her caption. Let’s just pray the gymnast gets healthy as soon as possible, and god gives more strength to his family.
The post Popular Gymnastics Star Fallen in Coma Finally Stable as National Federation Makes Public Admission appeared first on EssentiallySports.