Australian gymnast Ava Costa still recovering from spinal cord injury

Aspiring Olympian Ava Costa has channelled the resilience and determination that makes her a talented gymnast into her ongoing recovery from a serious spinal cord injury.

Talented gymnast Ava Costa is proving tough as nails as she continues to recover from a serious spinal cord injury sustained during a training session four months ago.

The aspiring Olympian, 15, was performing a beam dismount at training in Brisbane on April 7 when she landed on her neck, causing dislocated vertebrae to compress on her spinal cord.

Gymnast Ava Costa sustained a serious spinal injury while performing a beam dismount at training in April this year. Picture: Supplied

The Melbourne-born athlete had only recently been crowned Queensland’s Junior International All-Around Champion and was due to represent the country at the Australian Junior Classic.

Instead, the inspiring teen was made to harness that same resilience and determination, which previously drove her to sporting success, to tackle her toughest challenge yet.

“This ordeal has reshaped every facet of our lives – from the fundamental structure of our home to reimagining Ava’s education and daily routines,” her mother Randi Costa said.

Mrs Costa, husband Dave and sons Ben, Jacob, and Luke have remained by Ava’s side in hospital ever since - navigating the inevitable highs and lows - as she undertakes daily physiotherapy.

Australian gymnast, Ava Costa, as she recovers from a spinal injury. Picture: Supplied

Australian gymnast, Ava Costa, as she recovers from a spinal injury. Picture: Supplied

“Ava’s determination has been a guiding light throughout her life, and it’s no different in this new chapter she’s navigating,” Mrs Costa told the Herald Sun.

“These past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions – a roller coaster ride with its share of highs and lows. But what’s truly remarkable is Ava’s resilience.”

Between sessions, the devoted gymnast since age five, researches clinical trials, equipment and accessories to help those living with spinal cord injuries adapt to their new journeys.

“Of course, there are moments of grief and loss, completely natural in the face of such a profound shift. Yet Ava faces them head-on. She allows herself to feel, to cry, and then she rises again,” she said.

Mrs Costa’s days are now spent at her daughter’s bedside since stopping work to support Ava full-time, while her husband returned to work in part to help curb financial strain.

The Walking with Ava foundation’s inaugural event was a huge success.

“...I’ve remained steadfastly by Ava’s side, rarely leaving her room except for the brief intervals when our trusted circle of family and friends step in,” Mrs Costa said.

But the tight-knit family hope to one soon day have their girl back home – rightfully claiming her spot once again at the kitchen table – with the assistance of dedicated carers.

“It’s a journey lined with its own set of hurdles. Currently, our house isn’t equipped to cater to her needs, necessitating significant modifications,” Mrs Costa said.

“The waiting game is perhaps the most challenging aspect; waiting for NDIS approval, waiting for quotes from builders, and then waiting again as the modifications take shape.”

But messages of support from US Olympians Simone Biles and Alexandra Raisman have lifted young Ava’s spirits, as did designing merchandise for the ‘Walking with Ava’ foundation. 

Ava Costa’s spirits were boosted by letters of support.

Ava has been in hospital since April.

“Our family has found a remarkable source of positivity through the creation of “Walking with Ava”, Mrs Costa said of the foundation launched in the wake of her daughter’s injury. 

“We’ve connected with individuals who are sharing similar journeys, reaching out to us with their stories.

“This injury, due to its rarity, can be incredibly isolating, and the power of shared experiences has been truly transformative.”

The foundation hosted its inaugural ‘Walking with Ava’ gala in Brisbane to celebrate the teen’s “indomitable spirit”, raising more than $50,0000 to support her ongoing care.

“Spinal injuries bring not only physical challenges but also significant financial burdens,” mrs Costa said.

Ava was a dedicated and talented gymnast. Picture: Supplied

Despite emergency surgery, she has had no movement yet below her point of injury. Picture: Supplied

The family of six, who relocated to Brisbane from Melbourne during the pandemic, since invested in a modified vehicle to ensure they are ready whenever they can bring Ava home.

Mrs Costa said the family remained committed to sharing the “unfiltered truth” of Ava’s journey – however good or bad their weeks might be.

“This period has unquestionably been the most challenging chapter of our lives. It’s a journey we could never have anticipated,” Mrs Costa said.

“In times like these, the best approach is to take each day as it comes. Remember to pause, breathe, and lean on the support of those around you. And it’s completely alright to let your emotions flow – crying is a natural release.”

Ava’s family has set up a fundraising page online at walkingwithava.org, and an Instagram and Facebook page, at @walkingwithava, to follow her journey.

Originally published as Australian gymnast Ava Costa still recovering from spinal cord injury