Student eager to get back to UNL

LINCOLN — Garret Durst flashes a smile as one of his Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital physical therapists recognizes him in the hospital waiting area.

“I'm just feeling great now,” the 21-year-old says enthusiastically.

It's been three months since the former college gymnast was injured in a car accident that robbed his memory and left him with a traumatic brain injury.

On Aug. 10, Durst was a back-seat passenger in an SUV when the driver lost control on a county road near Malcolm, Neb., and the vehicle rolled. Durst was in a coma for a week at BryanLGH Medical Center West before being admitted to Madonna's Long Term Acute Care Hospital.

“I remember waking up, and I couldn't believe the summer was over,” Durst said. “It shocked me that I'd lost all that time.”

The Lincoln student had been on an athletic scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, competing in the still rings and vault and majoring in broadcast communications.

Durst arrived at Madonna in a confused and agitated state from the brain injury. Bolstered by family support, daily visits from his former coach, Francis Allen, and his own determination, Durst's strength and spirit soared.

Within three weeks, he was doing extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy. A highlight for Durst was a therapy outing to visit his former gymnastics teammates during one of their practices at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. “I was anxious and excited about going down to the gym again,” Durst said.

By Sept. 25, Durst had rejoined his family at home in Lincoln. He continues to make gains, participating in Madonna's rehabilitation day program.

Durst looks forward to resuming classes at UNL next semester and easing into campus life again.

But Durst realizes athletic competition is out of the question. “I know I'm done with gymnastics; that's hard,” he said.

Still, this year will be a special Thanksgiving for Durst and his family. “I'm just so thankful to be alive,” he said.

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