Gymnastics coach returns to work after paralysis

A 21-year-old former gymnast who became paralysed from the neck down after an accident has resumed his career as a coach.

Ollie Pearce, from Maidstone, Kent, is coaching at Pegasus Gymnastics Club three days a week, a year-and-a-half after sustaining his injuries at a festival in London.

He had been a gymnast at the club since the age of five, specialising in floor and vault.

Mr Pearce, who is now able to walk with a zimmer frame, told BBC Radio Kent: "I was in hospital last Christmas but it will be really good to spend it at home with my family this year."

The former gymnast was at music festival in Crystal Palace Park in July 2024 when he attempted a back flip and fell awkwardly.

He was later diagnosed with paralysis of the spine.

He said: "I remember the whole thing. It was very slippery, I fell on my neck and that was it.

"I could feel it straight away.

"The priority was breathing again and being able to talk again, as my lungs were paralysed."

Mr Pearce spent the next eight months in hospital and now uses a wheelchair on a regular basis.

He has been back at work for the last few months.

"It's a bit of transition but there are different ways to coach," he said.

"It's very adaptive and they are very supportive at Pegasus.

"I go to the gym quite a lot for my arms to build strength."

Mr Pearce said he was "delighted" he was beginning to get some feeling back in his legs.

"In rehab I've managed to start walking with a zimmer frame," he said.

"We're going slowly - see how far I can go."

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