Silence fell over the Messe Essen arena, hosting the World University Games, on July 23. The gymnastics community watched in horror as Lorenzo Bonicelli soared through the air in his rings routine. In a heartbeat, his triple‑back dismount unraveled: his neck struck the mat heavily, and he lay motionless. First responders from the event and FISU rushed to his side, stabilizing him on the spot. A stretcher carried him swiftly to Essen University Hospital, where surgeons performed emergency cervical spine surgery. But that was not all.
Post-surgery, Bonicelli was placed in a medically induced coma to manage spinal cord swelling (edema) around his fifth cervical vertebra. But the question loomed now. Was he going to be okay? Has the neck injury induced any kind of neurological damage? And most importantly, how is the recovery? Here is the answer…
Federazione Ginnastica d’Italia – the Italian federation of gymnastics reported today that the young gymnast is out of any life-threatening issues. “Lorenzo Bonicelli’s condition is stable, and his life is not in danger. The University Hospital in Essen, Germany—where the Italian athlete was competing with the Italian Federation of Italian Athletics (FederCusi) at the 32nd Summer Universiade—reports that the athlete, who remained alert after the accident until surgery, was awakened from a medically induced coma today and is showing signs of recovery,” read their report.
This has the fans saying, “At least some comforting news ” While the news does warm the heart, there’s more. In the report, it was also reported that the 23-year-old is “in intensive care,” as told by a hospital spokesperson who also informed the federation that “his family is with him, and his teammates visited him and were able to say goodbye.” Before all of this, he was also awakened for a short time from the medically induced coma, opening his eyes to allow doctors to assess neurological function—and thankfully, no irreversible neurological damage was detected.
A positive update on Lorenzo “Bonni” Bonicelli: He’s showing positive signs after surgery and is currently not in life-threatening condition, per the Italian Gymnastics Federation.
A correction to the previous post: He was only temporarily woken up from the medically-induced… pic.twitter.com/HnSim7Sbbp
— Gymnastics Now (@Gymnastics_Now) July 25, 2025
Because of the emotional toll on his teammates, the entire Italian gymnastics team withdrew from the Universiade in support of their injured teammate. The gymnastics community has been left fearful about the possibilities of what this accident could have led to. But now with the update, they can catch a breath.
Gymnastics community sends prayers for Lorenzo Bonicelli
The fans were scared and concerned for the twenty-three-year-old, but the update now has them sending prayers. “That’s good news. Wishing him all the best on his road to recovery.” wrote a fan. Imagine switching on your favorite sport to enjoy the swings of it, but you end up witnessing a young gymnast almost breaking his neck. Disturbing, right?
That is what happened with the fans who had been watching the game; they needed some love as well. This person has sent them exactly that with this comment, “My thoughts and prayers are with Lorenzo Bonicelli as well as his family, teammates, and coaches. Wishing and hoping he makes a full recovery. Sending love to the entire gymnastics community who is affected by this tragic news.”
Another user wrote, “Wednesday was a huge shock for everyone who saw it. I’m very happy that there’s some positive news. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Lorenzo #Bonicelli and his family for a full recovery. #FISUGames #RhineRuhr2025.” He is not alone, though. One user also wrote, “I would like to express my sincere wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to Lorenzo Bonicelli, the Lombard athlete who was unfortunately injured at the Universiade being held in Essen, Germany. Our warmest wishes go to Lorenzo.” The incident at the Rhine-Ruhr Universiade had the whole world shocked. Positive news not only brings calm to the Bonicelli family but the gymnastics fans around the globe. We all wish him a speedy recovery!
The post ‘Some Comforting News’: Gymnastics World Breathes Sigh of Relief as International Star Shows Signs of Recovery in Coma appeared first on EssentiallySports.