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Mum's Gymnastics Fall: Broken Back Amidst 'Me-Time' Quest
30 Sep
Summary
- A mum suffered a broken spine during her first gymnastics class.
- She hit her head on the floor instead of the crash mat.
- Sophia urges mums to prioritize themselves despite her injury.

Sophia Landells, a mother of two from South Yorkshire, suffered a broken spine during her inaugural adult gymnastics class on September 1, 2026. Seeking to 'find herself' outside of motherhood, she attempted a 'diving roll' but landed incorrectly, impacting her head on the sprung floor and fracturing her T2 and T3 vertebrae. The injury necessitated emergency surgery on September 4, 2026, involving the insertion of metal rods to stabilize her back.
Despite the excruciating pain and the immediate inability to move, Sophia is now recovering in hospital and preparing for a rehabilitation program. She remains a vocal advocate for mothers prioritizing their own needs and pursuing hobbies, even after her traumatic experience. Sophia hopes her accident will not deter other mothers from seeking personal fulfillment, encouraging them to embrace new activities and accept support when needed.
A GoFundMe page has been established by a friend to assist Sophia and her family financially during her recovery. While Sophia plans to find a new hobby, she has stated she will not return to gymnastics.