Fifteen days after sustaining a life-threatening neck injury at the 2025 FISU World University Games, Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli has returned to Italy to continue his recovery, the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) confirmed on Thursday (7 August).
The 23-year-old was injured on 23 July during his rings dismount in the artistic gymnastics qualifications in the Rhine-Ruhr region. He underwent surgery in Germany to reduce a cervical sprain with subluxation of the fifth vertebra, and a tracheotomy was performed to aid breathing.
According to the FGI, Bonicelli has not suffered cognitive impairment, although neurological damage remains and its extent is yet to be determined.
“Lorenzo’s return to Italy was by no means simple. Even though 15 days have passed since the operation, he still needs assistance and, at times, mechanical ventilation,” said national team doctor Andrea Ferretti, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Bonicelli has always remained conscious and cognitively he is perfect; it’s important to say that. I spoke with him and saw that he was doing well before he got into the ambulance. We are relieved to have brought him back. Now the recovery is in the hands of the neuro-intensive care doctors, and Bonicelli will soon be moved to the rehabilitation center at Villa Beretta in Costa Masnaga.”
Bonicelli was accompanied on the transfer by his family and girlfriend Lisa Rigamonti, and remained alert throughout the journey.
Rigamonti, a former gymnast and now a nurse, later posted an update on Instagram, thanking those who have offered support: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter; a long, challenging, and delicate journey. But Lorenzo is not alone on this path. Thank you to those who have been there, who are here now, and who will be there in the future. Every gesture, every thought, every hope continues to make a difference. The road is long, and we are with him.”