Demi Bagby has overcome great odds to position herself as one of the most popular young social media calisthenics stars on the planet. Born in 1998, she grew up playing soccer and cheer-leading, exhibiting a playful, positive and competitive attitude that would see her through the most challenging experience of her life.
In 2014, a freak cheer-leading accident left Demi paralysed in hospital with a broken back. It was a long and arduous few months to follow where she had to face the prospect that she may never walk again.
It was during this time she stumbled across CrossFit, gymnastics, and calisthenics then fell in love with the training modalities. She vowed to pursue these sports if she were to make a full recovery.
And a full recovery she did make.
A couple years into her training, she made this statement on her Instagram, “For those of you who don’t know, 2 years ago I broke my lower back, severely injuring myself. I was very close to having serious permanent back problems or even becoming paralyzed. I was told I would never do hard core training again, and that I pretty much wouldn’t be able to to the things I do now.”
In the clip that accompanied the caption, showing a then, 18 year old Demi performing a weighted front squat, she also said, “Yes, this may be only 155 Lb but the fact that I can even squat an empty bar is a miracle. I am currently weighing in at 98 Lb and 4’11 and a half inches tall. I might not lift as much as everyone else, but I am still proud and grateful to be exactly where I am.”
She went on to finish 23rd in her age division at the 2016 World CrossFit Games. Now a social media superstar, she frequently shares videos of her mixed training style which draws from gymnastics, parkour, calisthenics and CrossFit.
With well over half a million Instagram followers, she’s no stranger to the spotlight. She’s never shy to bust out a handstand, backflip or L-sit in public which we’re sure, produces a smile to even the most unsuspecting of strangers.
Demi is constantly finding new ways to incorporate training into her everyday life activities, like handstand walking down supermarket aisles, performing a human flag while waiting at a pedestrian crossing and backflipping her way to the beach.
What is there not to love about this pocket rocket who has absolutely crushed the odds and shown us what sheer physical and mental strength is all about.
