Burpengary PT Rhys Johnson learns to walk again after horrific motorcycle crash

A Brisbane personal trainer who went from fighting fit to fighting for his life in an instant has shared his harrowing journey to recovery and how his life has changed.

Nearly one year on and this beloved north Brisbane personal trainer has managed to turn his life around after a horrific crash left him broken and fearing the worst.

Rhys Johnson, 24, of Burpengary, woke in a hospital bed nearly a year ago from a three-day coma. He was battered, bruised, broken and very lucky to be alive.

The personal trainer was heading to football training when he came off his motorcycle at Petrie just before 6.30pm, September 17, 2021.

The crash was so severe police closed Youngs Crossing Road until midnight.

Rhys Johnson, 24, of Burpengary, before the crash which changed his life forever. Picture: Supplied

The former Morayfield State High School student broke his femur, with the bone protruding through his skin.

He had a compound fracture of his tibula and fibula, an open fracture on his left arm, and two pelvis fractures.

He underwent six hours of surgery the day after the accident with titanium rods, bolts and screws inserted to bring him back together.

Following the crash, Mr Johnson said doctors told him he’d never walk again.

Rhys Johnson, 24, of Burpengary, woke in a hospital bed nearly a year ago from a three day coma. Picture: Supplied.

Yet now, through perseverance, the 24-year-old graduated from his hospital bed, to crutches, to a moon boot, to a walking stick, and to finally walking without help once again.

Over the past year Mr Johnson said he has had to stay strong through several surgeries, heart issues, mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, and losing both his nan and aunt to cancer.

“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time … it could have broken somebody for life but it only broke me for a little bit,” Mr Johnson said.

“I remember everything (from the crash) and live through it all again every night with my nightmares … I remember seeing the bones and blood like it was yesterday.

Rhys Johnson founded his own gym when he was just 19. Picture: Supplied

“I’m doing incredibly now and am in the best position I’ve been in since the accident. I can walk short distances without support, can get off a chair without help, and if I drop something on the floor I can pick it up by myself.”

After founding a gym when he was just 19, Mr Johnson said the blow of waking up in hospital to his devastated mother was something he wasn’t sure he’d recover from.

“I mean it when I say it’s about perseverance … it’s not all peachy and rainbows and I am just like everybody else,” he said.

Rhys Johnson, 24, of Burpengary, woke in a hospital bed nearly a year ago from a three day coma. Picture: Supplied

“I remember coming home on my worst day to eight cops at the door because my mum thought I was going to kill myself … I’ve been through some dark times.

“Sometimes I think about where I should be, which is floating on a surfboard, running my gym and living my best life – and go life just isn’t fair.”

Mr Johnson said he reminds himself everyday how important it is to work hard.

Rhys Johnson, 24, of Burpengary, before the motorcycle crash. Picture: Supplied

“If it wasn’t for this I never would have overcome everything and learnt all of these harsh life lessons no other 24-year-old has had to face,” he said.

“I used to think I was a victim but it’s about how I choose to handle it … this has been the ultimate test of who I am as a person … this has tested my patience and mental fortitude.”

With his whole life ahead of him, and a long road to full recovery, Mr Johnson said he’s confident with a positive mindset he could achieve anything.

“I dream of getting back to work and can’t wait to teach people what I’ve learnt,” he said.