Australian Paralympic equestrian Emma Booth, who became paraplegic after a 2013 car accident, recently reunited with her original spinal surgeon, John Cunningham OAM, for a second major spinal surgery. After enduring severe lower back and nerve pain that affected her sleep and quality of life, extensive scans revealed bone pressing on a nerve below her previous spinal fusion. The surgery involved a second fusion with rods and screws to stabilize her spine, aiming to relieve her pain and improve her future well-being.

Emma described the post-surgery period as challenging but expressed relief and gratitude toward Cunningham and the Epworth team for helping restore her quality of life. Having already competed in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympics, she is now focused on recovery to qualify for the 2026 World Championships. Cunningham praised Emma’s resilience and determination, highlighting her inspiring comeback from trauma to elite competition.