Italian gymnast Bonicelli injured at Universiade and in intensive care

23-year-old Italian gymnast Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a serious injury during artistic gymnastics competitions at the Summer Universiade in Essen, Germany. The incident occurred on Wednesday during his rings routine, when the athlete landed unsuccessfully and hit his neck on the mat.

Bonicelli, a native of Abbadia Lariana and a student at the Faculty of Economics of Mercatorum University, remained conscious after the fall. The tournament's medical team provided first aid on site, after which the gymnast was urgently transported to Essen University Hospital. There he underwent emergency surgery on his cervical vertebrae.

“The Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) issued an official statement confirming the incident. The team management decided to withdraw the men's team from the competition due to the severe emotional distress of the other athletes. “The entire Federation supports Lorenzo and wishes him a speedy recovery. Forza Bonni!” the statement said.

According to the latest information, Bonicelli is in the intensive care unit, but his life is not in danger. A hospital representative said that the athlete’s condition remains stable and that his family is by his side. His teammates managed to visit him before leaving for Italy, where the rehabilitation stage will later take place.

Former president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Steve Butcher noted that a full assessment of Bonicelli’s health would take at least ten days. “The entire gymnastics family is praying for his speedy recovery,” he wrote on social media.

It should be noted that Armenian gymnasts are also competing at the Universiade. On July 26, two Armenian athletes, Mamikon Khachatryan and Hamlet Manukyan, will compete in the pommel horse final, having taken the top two places in qualification.