Kite surfer begins recovery after broken back - in pictures

Luliana Chiorpec had been kite surfing for just a year when, on April 29, a strong gust of wind threw her into the air and she suffered several injuries when she fell. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Luliana Chiorpec had been kite surfing for just a year when, on April 29, a strong gust of wind threw her into the air and she suffered several injuries when she fell. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Luliana Chiorpec was a professional personal trainer before her accident in April 2022. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Luliana Chiorpec was a professional personal trainer before her accident in April 2022. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Doctors treating Ms Chiorpec say her fitness levels will help her recovery as she tries to regain the use of her legs. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Doctors treating Ms Chiorpec say her fitness levels will help her recovery as she tries to regain the use of her legs. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Ms Chiorpec fractured the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her spine and also suffered a compressed fracture of her thoracic vertebrae and a prolapsed disc. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Ms Chiorpec fractured the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her spine and also suffered a compressed fracture of her thoracic vertebrae and a prolapsed disc. Photo: Luliana Chiorpec
Luliana Chiorpac is on the road to recovery with help from therapists at Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National.
Luliana Chiorpac is on the road to recovery with help from therapists at Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National.
Ms Chiorpec with her therapists at Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre. Victor Besa / The National.
Ms Chiorpec with her therapists at Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Centre. Victor Besa / The National.
Therapists help Ms Chiorpec to move her limbs as her mother, Maria, provides encouragement during an exercise session. Victor Besa / The National.
Therapists help Ms Chiorpec to move her limbs as her mother, Maria, provides encouragement during an exercise session. Victor Besa / The National.