Ava Costa, a former elite gymnast from Brisbane, Australia, is redefining her life following a debilitating spinal cord injury that abruptly ended her aspirations to compete in the Olympics. At the young age of 14, Costa was on the Australian National Team, engaged in rigorous training, when a devastating fall during practice left her with no movement below her injury site, despite undergoing emergency surgery.
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Recalling that fateful moment, Costa describes the overwhelming realisation that she could not move as “terrifying and surreal.” In the wake of the injury, her initial focus was on survival and rehabilitation, and it took time for the full weight of her new reality to sink in. “I think there were a lot of moments rather than one single moment,” she reflects, acknowledging the myriad challenges she faced post-injury.
As Costa embarked on her recovery, she found herself grappling with profound loss—not just of her physical abilities, but also of the future she had meticulously crafted in her mind. The absence of gymnastics created a void that forced her to confront a difficult question: “Who was she without gymnastics?” For years, the sport had dictated her life’s trajectory, shaping her identity and aspirations.
This substantial loss was compounded by the reality of watching her friends continue in the sport she adored. “That was one of the hardest parts because I wasn’t just grieving physical movement,” she admits. “I was grieving the life I thought I was going to have.” The months following her injury were fraught with uncertainty, medical setbacks, infections, and emotional turmoil, as Costa learned that rehabilitation encompassed more than just physical recovery; it was also an emotional odyssey.
Throughout her journey, Costa’s family provided unwavering support, encouraging her to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. “My family made a decision very early on that we would focus on possibility, not limitation,” she states, emphasising the crucial role their mindset played in her recovery process. This positive approach helped her to gradually shift her perception of her life, opening her up to new avenues of healing and growth.
In an unexpected turn, Costa began to share her experiences on social media under the platform “Walking With Ava.” What initially served as a personal outlet to process her journey quickly evolved into a robust community where she connected with countless individuals facing similar challenges. Her candidness resonated widely, inspiring many to navigate their own struggles with disability. “If sharing my journey helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it,” she remarked.
As her online presence grew, so did her sense of purpose. Following her injury, Costa became involved with The Sharing Shed Foundation, an initiative aimed at facilitating access to essential mobility and disability equipment. Having experienced firsthand the difficulties in acquiring such equipment, she found a renewed mission in championing accessibility for others in need. “One of the biggest things driving me forward is helping people access essential mobility and disability equipment that can completely change their quality of life,” she asserts.
Costa’s understanding of strength has transformed significantly through her journey. Previously, strength was synonymous with physical prowess and accolades; now, it embodies resilience and adaptability. “Before my injury, strength meant physical performance, medals and pushing my body to its limits,” she explains. “Now strength means resilience—getting through hard days, adapting, and learning to love a body that functions differently.”
Reflecting on her past, Costa remains hopeful that her story serves as a beacon for others facing setbacks. “If people take anything away from my story, I hope it’s that life can still be meaningful, beautiful and impactful, even when it looks completely different from what you originally planned,” she says. Through adversity, she has discovered that challenges may alter one’s path but do not diminish the ability to effect change in the world.
Looking ahead, Costa embraces her new life with optimism, committed to making a difference in the lives of others while redefining her own identity in the process. Her journey from aspiring Olympian to an influential advocate for disability awareness illustrates the power of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to adapt in the face of profound change.