Injured wakeborder posts video from hospital bed

A champion New Zealand wakeboarder left a quadriplegic after a training accident is able to talk again after a valve was inserted into his throat.

Brad Smeele, 27, has thanked his supporters – who have so far raised more than $175,000 towards his rehabilitation – in a video filmed by his hospital bedside.

The accident happened in Florida last month when Smeele landed on his neck while attempting a double backflip, The New Zealand Herald reports.

Doctors told Smeele he would be left a quadriplegic and only had a 1-2 percent chance of ever regaining motor skills.

But Smeele has managed to defy the odds, and has since begun to breathe, talk, eat and drink, and even sit up on his own.

In the video, a smiling Smeele said it was “amazing” to finally be able to talk and eat.

"Hey guys, I just thought I'd give you an update now that I've got a speaking valve in," he said.

"I haven't been able to talk for the last month."

"I just wanted to send a message out and say thank you so much for all the support, all the kind messages you've been sending through, all the donations and gifts, it's been really amazing."

Source: NZ Herald, YouTube, Givealittle