Josh Gibson’s girlfriend, Olga Kononchuk, suffers spinal injury in boating accident on Port Phillip Bay

The girlfriend of AFL champ Josh Gibson is recovering from spinal injuries after a day out on Port Phillip Bay ended in drama during Stakes Day celebrations.

The girlfriend of AFL champ Josh Gibson is recovering from spinal ­injuries after a boating accident.

Olga Kononchuk was rushed to The Alfred hospital last Saturday after a day out on Port Phillip Bay ended in drama.

The pair were celebrating Stakes Day with friends when it is understood Ms Kononchuk had an accident and injured her spine.

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Josh Gibson and Olga Kononchuk were celebrating Stakes Day with friends on Port Phillip Bay when the accident happened.

Josh Gibson and Olga Kononchuk (second from the left) celebrated on the water with friends.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands the mother of two is slowly ­recovering and hopes to return home soon to continue her rehabilitation.

Gibson has been visiting Ms Kon­onchuk, 38, in hospital and was too upset to speak yesterday, but his management company issued a statement on his behalf.

“Olga had a fall last weekend and did some damage to vertebrae in her lower back,” Gibson said.

“She’s been extremely well looked after by the staff at The Alfred since and is now ready to commence a period of rehabilitation.

“That’s her immediate focus for now. All our energy is turned towards her rehab and looking after her two boys.

“With that in mind, we’d ask that everyone respects our privacy for the time being.”

Josh Gibson and Olga Kononchuk were seen at the races together during the Spring Racing Carnival.

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A Victoria Police spokeswoman said water police had helped co-ordinate the rescue by ambulance helicopter around 10pm.

The Alfred Hospital said she was in a stable condition.

Gibson and Ms Kononchuk have been dating since July, attending this month’s Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup together. Gibson is understood to have given her a dog.

Social media photos show the loved-up pair arm in arm on the boat on the day of the accident and posing with friends in front of a lavish feast.

The Russian beauty mixes in well-to-do Melbourne circles and is known to appreciate luxury labels. She counts singer Anthony Callea, ­designer Con Iliopoulos and Anton jeweller general manager Sesil Arzadian as friends.

Ms Arzadian and her partner were also on board the boat on Stakes Day.

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