Circus Stunt Gone Wrong: Acrobat's Fall and Road to Recovery

In the heart of Kemerovo, Russia, a circus performance took a frightening turn when aerial gymnast Valeriya Zapashnaya, 34, plummeted from a height of about 20 feet during a daring stunt. The audience, including children, watched in horror as she missed her partner's legs and crashed to the ground, breaking both arms. The dramatic fall was captured on video, showing Zapashnaya and her male partner spinning in the air before she attempted a backflip that went terribly wrong. This wasn't the first time Zapashnaya faced a serious injury. Just 18 months earlier, she had broken her arm and suffered a lacerated forehead in another fall. Despite these setbacks, her spirit remains unbroken. Her husband, part of a famous Russian circus dynasty, believes she will be back in the air within a month, even though she currently needs help with daily tasks due to her injuries. The show’s director, Yaroslav Zapashny, explained that safety harnesses aren't used in such stunts, emphasizing the human factor in the mistake. He assured everyone that Zapashnaya is in good condition and eager to return to work after her surgery. While she recovers in the hospital with her arms in casts, her positive outlook and determination are evident. Valeriya Zapashnaya isn’t just a performer; she also trains Cane Corso dogs, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her story serves as a reminder of the risks circus artists take and their incredible resilience in the face of adversity.