Adelaide born motocross rider Christina Vithoulkas, who was left paralysed from the chest down after a motorcycle accident three months ago, has had an early Christmas present when together with her fiancé James, she managed the unthinkable, to get back on her motorbike.
“As scary as it was, the feeling of being back on the bike was just amazing,” says the 23-year-old thrill seeker who is originally from the Riverland in South Australia and has been a freestyle rider for five years.
After almost three months of intense rehabilitation and following the doctor’s devastating prognosis that it was unlikely Christina would ever walk again, the determined young woman who came off her bike during a failed jump at a friend’s property in regional SA, continues to defiantly wow everyone with her strength and courage, refusing to let her injury stop her from living a full life.
“My bones and muscles have now healed, and I am slowly starting to feel like myself again,” says Christina who admits that although initially she thought hopping onto her bike would be an easy task, having to let go and trust someone else to ride with her was even more confronting and scary than she initially thought.
“I was so lucky to have James ride with me. I must admit, although I trust him with my life, it wasn’t easy to ride when I couldn’t even feel my legs but the moment I crossed the point of fear and took that leap, I instantly felt enjoyment and growth,” continues Christina who despite the doctor’s crushing news, has already mastered her wheelchair and feels ready to get back on her new bike at the end of the year.
Every day that goes by the young girl whose family originates from the island of Zakynthos, feels stronger mentally and physically, and is convinced that her life’s calling is to inspire other people, particularly young women to be strong and to always focus on the brighter side of life.
Fiancé James, who proposed to Christina just a few months ago, has not left her side.
“She is my soulmate. I love my girl and I’ll always be here to look after her,” says the 25-year-old excavator operator and part time freestyle rider who has resigned from his work and is now Christina’s primary carer.
“Everyone keeps asking me where I get my strength from, but for me, it is just simple; I make sure I surround myself with people who believe in me and want to see me grow even when I start to doubt myself.
“Life truly us an amazing journey and I am here to enjoy every minute of it,” she concludes.