Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli, 23, sustained a severe cervical injury during the rings final at the Universiade in Essen, Germany. The athlete from Abbadia Lariana fell while attempting his dismount, a triple tuck (“triplo raccolto”), striking his neck. Although a routine element for him, something went wrong during the competition.
Bonicelli was rushed to the university hospital in Essen. Upon arrival, he was conscious but required immediate surgery on his cervical vertebrae. Doctors placed him in a medically induced coma in intensive care. Initial medical bulletins confirmed he is not in immediate life danger, though the situation remains “delicate,” according to Italian Consul Luis Cavalieri in Cologne.
Doctors briefly lifted the induced coma to assess neurological damage. Cavalieri reported to RaiNews that no irreparable damage appears present. However, significant swelling (edema) caused by a fractured vertebra impacting the spinal cord necessitated re-inducing the coma. The proximity of the hospital to the venue and the rapid intervention reportedly prevented the edema from spreading further.
Bonicelli has since been temporarily awakened again and responded positively. His condition is now stable, though he remains intubated, sedated, and in intensive care. His family, rushed from Lecco, is at his bedside. His teammates withdrew from the Universiade competition in solidarity (“our minds are elsewhere”) and visited him briefly.
Medical staff estimate it will take about ten days to better understand the prognosis. Rehabilitation will continue in Italy, coordinated by Professor Andrea Ferretti, head of CONI’s sports medicine institute and the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) medical commission. The FGI is supporting the family.
Bonicelli, an economics student, is considered a national team prospect. He competed successfully in Stuttgart and Cottbus this year and was a reserve for Italy’s 2023 World Championships team, which secured an Olympic quota for Paris. He was also in contention for the European Championships.
Paolo Gilardoni, president of Bonicelli’s club Ghislanzoni GAL, described him as a serious, empathetic, hardworking, talented, and intelligent athlete, and the club’s undisputed captain. Messages of support have poured in, including from Lombardy Governor Attilio Fontana, world championship sabre bronze medallist Luca Curatoli, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, and International Gymnastics Federation President Watanabe. FGI President Andrea Facci personally delivered these messages after flying to Essen.
The Italian gymnastics delegation will return to Italy on Sunday as scheduled to stay close to their teammate, affectionately known as ‘Bonni’.