re: Six-time Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken severs spine in accident

That fricking sucks. Fortunately for her it was T11 where the injury took place. She will have full use of her upper extremities, most of her abs, and will breathe normally. Unfortunately if it's complete she won't have use of her legs and will be incontinent. Most young, fit folks do very well with lower spinal cord injuries.

It happens so often and is so tragic. Had a pt one time who had a partial injury sustained at her Bachelorette party from a friend pushing her in the pool. Another young father who lost everything below his shoulders from just diving into a little wave wrong at the beach just like we all routinely do. We truly are fragile creatures.