Jamie Nieto said he’s regaining strength, mobility and a greater ability to breathe every day since a training accident paralyzed him from the neck down on Friday.
“First and foremost, I’d definitely like to thank God I’m still alive,” Nieto said from a hospital bed, wearing a neck brace, in a video posted on social media Wednesday night. “Second of all, just want to thank everybody for your support. It’s been amazing and overwhelming, and for me it’s been a life-changing experience.”
Nieto, a retired 2004 and 2012 Olympic high jumper known for backflip celebrations, hit his head attempting a backflip while coaching Friday and underwent spine surgery.