Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli is in intensive care after suffering a serious neck injury during a routine at the Universiade in Essen, Germany.
The 23-year-old from Lecco fell while performing on the rings during the third rotation of his event. He received immediate medical attention from the event’s medical team, along with doctors from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the Italian University Sports Centre (CUSI), before being transferred to the University Hospital in Essen.
Doctors there confirmed that Bonicelli underwent emergency surgery on his cervical vertebrae. While his life is not in danger, he remains in a medically induced coma, according to former international federation director Steve Butcher. He added that a clearer prognosis will take at least ten days.
Following the incident, the Italian university team withdrew from the competition. “Given the understandable emotional involvement of the rest of the team,” the coaching staff explained, “we decided it was best to withdraw.”
Lorenzo Bonicelli is expected to return to Italy for rehabilitation. His family is with him at the hospital.
Olympic ring champion Jury Chechi voiced his support, criticising the increasing physical demands placed on athletes. “The system is pushing things to the extreme,” he said. “Come on, Bonicelli, we’re all with you.”
