Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli, who suffered a severe injury on the rings apparatus at the Universiade in Germany, retains “neurological damage of unassessable extent,” the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) announced. The update follows consultations between FGI’s medical commission chief, Professor Andrea Ferretti—also director of CONI’s Institute of Sports Medicine—and German medical staff.
Medical evaluation revealed Bonicelli, 23, sustained a cervical sprain trauma with subluxation of the fifth vertebra, which was “promptly and impeccably reduced during surgery.” Despite stable overall condition, he underwent a tracheotomy to aid breathing and requires at least one additional week of hospitalization before potential discharge.
Professor Ferretti, who met Bonicelli’s family at the German hospital, maintains constant contact with FGI President Andrea Facci. Procedures have begun to transfer the athlete “with maximum safety” to an Italian rehabilitation center, with details to follow.
Bonicelli remains conscious and is supported by his mother Vania, father Simone, and girlfriend Lisa Rigamonti, who rushed from Abbadia Lariana to Rhine Ruhr after the accident. The FGI statement emphasized solidarity from “Italy’s entire gymnastics community,” including his training base (CAT Seveso) and hometown club in Lecco.