Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle has taken her first steps following surgery she underwent for two fractured vertebrae in her neck.
The athlete was injured during training for Channel 4’s ski-jumping competition show The Jump, crashing into a barrier and being airlifted to hospital for medical treatment.
Tweddle was given surgery to fuse the fractured neck bones with a pin and a part of her hip bone.
A statement from Tweddle’s parents, Ann and Jerry, offered an update on her progress: “Since her surgery, Beth has managed to walk a few steps whilst being assisted by the nursing team. She is still very tired from the operation but the medical team are pleased with the progress she is making. At the moment we aren't certain of the timescale for her recovery. We are taking each day as it comes and will update you when there is further news.”
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The statement also praised the “helpful, patient, and incredible attentive” Austrian medical staff and the production team on The Jump, who have been “helping and supporting” the family.
Tweddle is one of many stars who has been injured in the latest series of the Channel 4 show, causing the series to review its safety procedures.
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A statement from Channel 4 said: “The Jump is now in its third series and since launch 46 celebrities have taken part successfully. Though it is a new course, the events have been designed to be no more difficult than in previous years and all contributors have undertaken a rigorous training programme to prepare them for the show.
“All winter sports carry some element of risk but in light of the number of injuries this year, Channel 4 has asked the producers to review safety procedures again to further reduce the prospect of accident.”