’A very tough year’: Miracle teen Sarah Jacka back in the water after breaking both legs in horror cliff jump

13-year-old Sarah Jacka has opened up on the “tough year” of recovery after a freak accident jumping from The Pillars in Mt Martha left her fearing she would never walk again.

A year after a freak accident jumping from a cliff at Mt Martha that saw her break both legs in a total of eight places, talented teen diver Sarah Jacka is back in the water.

Sarah, 13, suffered serious fractures to her right ankle, which was broken in three places, her left leg and her knees after doing a ‘pin drop’ from The Pillars on the Mornington Peninsula on New Year’s Day last year.

Sarah Jacka was attempted a pin drop from The Pillars at Mount Martha at low tide when she hit the bottom hard and broke both her legs. Picture: Mark Stewart

Such was the extent of damage to her legs there were early fears she may not walk again.

Sarah underwent surgery and initially spent four and a half months in plaster and in November and December she underwent further surgery.

While she is yet to regain full strength in her right leg, Sarah is back in the water and will take part in the Portsea Swim Classic at Portsea on Saturday, January 18.

She will compete alongside her sister, Sophie, 16, while their little sister Holly, 11, will take part in the Junior 500m swim.

Sarah, middle, is making a return to the water after a horrific cliff jump injury. She is pictured with sisters Holly and Sophie. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It has been a very tough year,” Sarah said.

“I have been in plaster for a lot of it and am just getting back to full strength on my foot.

A chunk of her tibia came off in the break.

Sarah’s ankle was badly broken.

“I just got out of a cast on December 21 that I was in for six weeks and I had another three hour surgery at the end of the year to get all the pins and screws removed from my right ankle.

“That was the last surgery, hopefully.

“My right foot still is not at the same strength as my other foot, but I am working with my physio to build it up.”

Sarah, 12 at the time, broke both her legs and her ankle at the Pillars. Picture: Mark Stewart

Sarah, who is part of the Victorian Institute of Sport’s diving development pathway, said having goals had helped her with her recovery.

By making modifications to her training she was able to take part in the national diving talent program mid year and competed in the elite national diving program in September.

“I am very excited to be swimming in the Portsea Swim Classic with my sisters,” she said.

“It was a goal of mine and it has helped me get through this year.”

Sarah urged kids enjoying summer at the beach to take water safety seriously.

Jacka Sisters Holly, 11, Sarah, 13 and Sophie, 16 are set to swim at the Portsea Classic event. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Just check the water depth and make sure it is safe before you go jumping in anywhere,” she said.

Sarah’s mother Marni Jacka said Sarah’s strength and determination was inspiring.

“Her mental strength and will power have been extraordinary,” Mrs Jacka said.

“Even in this journey with the plaster she would go to the gym everyday to do rehab for her upper body and strengthen her core.

“The mind set, attitude and application to navigate herself as quickly as possible out of this situation has been incredible.”