In an unfortunate but incredible turn of events, one man’s gymnastics training helped him survive a 100-foot fall while hiking this week.

Dylan Schuetz, a 21-year old gymnast and coach, was hiking St. Mary’s Glacier in Colorado when he fell off of a ledge and tumbled down the 100-foot drop. But he was able to draw from his gymnastics background and keen air sense to turn the fall into a flip, positioning himself to land on his feet. This cat-like air sense and ability to spot the ground likely saved his life, though he still sustained several injuries from the fall. Friends of the fallen hiker credited the gymnastics-based awareness as the reason Schuetz survived the fall.

Amazingly, Schuetz said that he plans to return to the sport of gymnastics as soon as possible and that he will not let these injuries end his career! He is working with his doctors to get back in the gym as soon as possible. We wish all the best to Dylan on his road to recovery after this shocking but incredible incident!