Australian Ninja Warrior contestant Fred Dorrington has taken his first steps after breaking and dislocating two vertebrae in his back.
Season 1's Furthest Fastest revealed on Instagram the devastating injury to his T12 and T11 vertebrae occurred when he fell during training on Friday.
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"I've been in hospital since and had surgery Sunday lunchtime," he said in an Instagram story. "It's been an incredibly painful and uncomfortable situation to be in both physically and mentally.
"I'm so glad to say surgery went well and I'm now sporting a heap of screws and rods in my spine.
"I'm now able to sit up and move despite the soreness and stiffness and the pain is way less..."
Fred expressed his gratitude that the injury wasn't worse as it could have resulted in permanent spinal cord damage.
"Everything in my case is functioning normally and a full recovery is on the way," he added.
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The Ninja veteran explained that his recovery and rehab process will be long but he is viewing the journey as a learning experience he will use in the future.
Unfortunately it looks like Fred will be unable to compete in Season 5 of Australian Ninja Warrior.
"I'm completely devastated for what this means for Ninja Warrior this year as I was at my physical peak in my life, my most prepared for this season and it truly felt like I had what it takes to win," he continued.
"I'll miss sharing Season 5 with everyone... Nevertheless this injury and recovery is another obstacle course to tackle and one I know I'll hit the buzzer on."
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Fred has competed in Australian Ninja Warrior in all four seasons so far and took out the title of Furthest Fastest in Season 1. He also represented Queensland in Ninja Warrior's State of Origin and competed on Ninja Warrior in the UK.
When not competing Fred shares a house with fellow Ninjas Olivia Vivian and Ben Polson. Olivia was one of many to wish Fred well on his recovery journey.
Ninja Matt Filippi was also among the well wishers.
Australian Ninja Warrior returns to Nine later this year.
Catch up on every episode ever of Australian Ninja Warrior for free on 9Now.
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