Coma after fall: Great concern for Italian gymnast

A tragic incident rocked the FISU World University Games in Germany. Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli was left motionless after falling on his neck. He is now in an artificial coma.

July 25, 2025

From: never

The incident occurred on Wednesday during the qualifying gymnastics event at the World University Games. During his exercise on the rings, Bonicelli lost control and landed awkwardly on the ground, hitting his neck. The 23-year-old remained motionless. Emergency services immediately intervened and transported the athlete, who was still conscious at the time, to a nearby hospital. He underwent cervical surgery the following evening.

Steve Butcher, former president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), provided an update on Bonicelli's health on social media on Thursday. "Lorenzo is in an induced coma following surgery. It will be at least ten days before we can say anything more about his condition," he wrote. "The entire gymnastics family is praying and keeping our fingers crossed for a full recovery!"

Italy withdraws from competition

Shortly after the shocking accident, the Italian support team decided to withdraw the Azzurri from the competition due to the emotional shock. "The entire federation stands united behind Lorenzo and wishes him a speedy recovery. Forza Bonni!" read a statement from the FGI.

Bonicelli is considered a promising prospect for the future, especially with a view to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His breakthrough came at the 2019 World Youth Championships in Hungary, where he won the bronze medal with the team. Four years later, he was nominated for the World Championships for the "adults," which qualified for the Summer Games in Paris in Antwerp.