Martynka Wawrzyniak survives 200-foot fall and fights back to rock climbing

In a life-threatening accident while ice climbing in New York's Catskills, Martynka Wawrzyniak fell 200 feet down an icy cliff while attempting to retrieve a pair of gloves. As she plummeted, she executed multiple flips but ultimately landed in a tree, which saved her from a more critical injury. However, she sustained significant injuries, including fractures in her talus bone, fibula, and calcaneus. Despite considerable blood loss from injuries to her hands during the fall, Wawrzyniak managed to cling to the tree and await rescue by her hiking companions. Following the accident, Wawrzyniak was transported to NYU Langone Health, where she underwent surgery. Doctors inserted four screws into her ankle joint to stabilize her fractures for proper healing. In the initial phase of her recovery, she faced the daunting challenge of regaining mobility. Martynka's determination was evident as she dedicated herself to physical therapy, slowly adapting to walking again after her significant injury. Months of physical therapy at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries resulted in her gradually regaining strength. Under the guidance of her physical therapist, Sarah Plumer-Holzman, Wawrzyniak worked diligently on exercises that targeted her left ankle, hip, and gait. Despite initial fears of lifelong limping, her perseverance allowed her to return to many physical activities she loved, including rock climbing. Now, nearly three years post-accident, Wawrzyniak feels stronger and even more skilled at climbing. She remains cautious about returning to ice climbing, but her journey through surgery, rehabilitation, and personal determination epitomizes resilience in overcoming life-altering injuries. Reflecting on her ordeal, she emphasizes the importance of incremental progress and how each small step toward recovery bolstered her spirit and motivation. Martynka Wawrzyniak is not only back to climbing but grateful for a second chance at an active lifestyle.