Overview

• Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a severe neck injury on July 23 during the still rings qualification at the FISU Summer World University Games in Essen after landing short on a triple-back dismount.
• Medical personnel carried him from the arena on a stretcher to University Hospital Essen for emergency cervical spine surgery after which he was placed in a medically induced coma.
• On July 26 the Italian Gymnastics Federation reported that Bonicelli has been awakened from the coma, is stable and no longer in immediate danger, although he remains in intensive care.
• FIG apparatus supervisor Steve Butcher said it will take at least ten days to determine the full extent of his recovery prospects.
• The Italian men’s gymnastics team withdrew from the Universiade following the accident and athletes worldwide have offered support and prayers for Bonicelli’s recovery.