It's a risk all gymnasts take every time they do a somersault or attempt any acrobatic move.
The slightest miscalculation could lead to serious injury that could end in paralysis or even death.
That risk became reality for Jorge Valdez, a 20-year-old local gymnast who had dreams of performing in front of thousands of fans for Cirque de Soleil.
The dreams and Valdez came crashing down last week when he landed on his head while doing a flip practicing for tryouts to join the world-famous acrobat group.
"I was trying a double front flip with a full twist," he said Thursday about the incident. "I got lost in the air and landed right on my head. I just remember it felt like fire going through my body."
Valdez, who has been a gymnast since he was 3-years old, severely injured his neck and head and was rushed to the hospital. He couldn't move his arms or his legs.
The outlook was grim, doctors said. Valdez had dislocated his neck. The gymnast might never walk again.
Local
But Thursday, Valdez did just that, walking out of Jackson Memorial Hospital.
After several surgeries and hypothermic treatment, Valdez was able to regain strength and control over his limbs and won't even need rehab, doctors said.
"I don't know how they did it, but they saved my life," Valdez said.
Doctors literally put Valdez on ice for 48 hours to drop his body temperature and stop swelling around the spinal cord.
"To be walking out of the hospital after a week is incredible," Dr. Steven Vanni said. "He's extremely lucky."
The Miami-Dade College student plans to get back on the trampoline and continue to pursue his dream of joining a major acrobatic performance troupe, but after a little rest.
