A young gymnast who shattered both her legs in a horror fall during a competition - is set to marry in just two months time.
Samantha Cerio, a competitor for Auburn University, fell while landing on Friday as she performed a complex floor routine.
The 22-year-old yelped a scream of agony after Horrifying moment gymnast breaks both legs during competition , on a stretcher.
Now she's had surgery for multiple ligament damage in her knees, her coach Jeff Graba confirmed.
Samantha, an engineering student, has had to retire from the sport after breaking both her legs.
She's due to get married in two months in Fairhope, Alabama.
Horrifying moment gymnast breaks both legs during competition
In an emotional post on Friday, Samantha wrote: "Friday night was my final night as a gymnast.
"After 18 years I am hanging up my grips and leaving the chalk behind.
"I couldn’t be prouder of the person that gymnastics has made me to become.
"It’s taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and dedication, just to name a few.
"It’s given me challenges and road blocks that I would have never imagined that has tested who I am as a person.
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"It may not have ended the way I had planned, but nothing ever goes as planned.
"Thank you Auburn family for giving me a home and a chance to continue doing the sport that will always be my first love.
"I am honored to have had the privilege to represent the navy and orange AU for the past 4 years with my team by my side.
"Thank you for letting me share my passion with you.
"Thank you for letting me be a part of something bigger than myself."
Samantha, who is set to start working with Boeing later this year, was pictured in hospital yesterday with Louisiana State University president F King Alexander.
Her university finished the night with the highest regional score in program history, advancing to the regional finals on Saturday.
But they finished fourth in the last stage of the tournament, behind Louisiana, Minnesota and Utah, failing to reach the nationals.
Speaking after the accident, Mr Graba said: "It was pretty tough to watch.
"She’s a trouper. The last thing she said was, 'Go help the girls.'
"The girls rallied around her. They’re doing this for her right now."
