Hope after shock of fall: “Can say a few words”

Two and a half weeks after his serious fall on his neck at the FISU World University Games, there is a glimmer of hope for Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli.

August 11, 2025

From: never

In the qualification in artistic gymnastics at the World University Games in Germany, Bonicelli lost control during his exercise on the rings and had landed unluckily on the ground on his neckThe following evening, the 23-year-old underwent surgery on his cervical vertebrae, after which he was placed in an artificial coma. Four days ago, he was finally transferred from Essen University Hospital to a hospital in Milan.

Wie der Corriere della Sera Now, encouraging progress has been made in his rehabilitation. "He can finally say a few words to his loved ones," explained Paolo Gilardoni, president of Bonicelli's association, Ghislanzoni GAL. "Of course, his voice is still altered because he has a small cannula that helps him breathe." A cannula is a medical device used after a tracheotomy to keep the airways open and facilitate breathing.

Family and girlfriend support Bonicelli

As Gilardoni further explained, Bonicelli is now able to eat a natural diet. His family and girlfriend, Lisa, are by his side during this difficult time. Bonicelli is considered a hope for the future, especially with an eye on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His breakthrough came at the 2019 Youth World 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.