Russian Skier Remains Paralyzed After Sochi Crash

Maria Komissarova, suffered a fractured vertebra and a dislocation when she crashed during a practice run for an Olympic ski cross race on Feb. 15. Two surgeries later, she still can't feel the lower half of her body.

Komissarova, 23, fell on a jump near the top of the course and the decision was made to take her to a hospital near the venue rather than try to transport her down the mountain. She underwent a six-and-a-half-hour surgery, was visited by Vladimir Putin, and the next day was airlifted to Munich for a second operation.

Yesterday she posted this photo to her Instagram account, and wrote:

"I do not feel my body lower than my belly button. But I am strong and know that some day I will definitely be on my feet again."

There has been no specific update on Komissarov's condition, but spine injuries can often take weeks or longer for athletes to regain feeling.

[ BBC]