Chinese Dancer Liu Yan Paralyzed After Fall During Opening Ceremony Rehearsal

After at first covering it up, China has now acknowledged that one of its greatest dancers, Liu Yan, was paralyzed when she fell off a platform during a rehearsal for the Olympic opening ceremony. Here's a look at Liu dancing:

It's heartbreaking to think that a woman with such grace will never dance again.

The New York Times reports that Liu was rushed to a hospital and underwent six hours of surgery, but had already sustained nerve and spinal damage. She has no feeling below her chest and cannot move her lower body, and doctors have told her family that it is unlikely that she will ever walk.

"I never imagined I could suffer such a tragedy," she told the Times. "I hope one day I can just stand up like a normal person."

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