Schoolboy with 'missing spine' becomes talented gymnast

Harley Davis was born with partial sacral agenesis, an extremely rare disorder that targets his bones, renal system, and gastrointestinal tract.

As a result the 11-year-old, from Cambuslang, is completely missing his left hip socket, coccyx, and Conus Medullaris part of his spinal cord.

Despite his challenges, the inspiring youngster refuses to let his health define him and has scooped national medals for his gymnastics skills.

Harley is a talented gymnast (Image: Sourced)

Harley said: “My favourite thing about gymnastics is being able to excel in a sport, regardless of my medical conditions.

“My team and coaches have always been there for me, no matter what.

“My proudest moment has to be when I won the British Championships for the first time.

“I was so proud of myself as I was so scared before competing.

“Never give up and never stop believing. Health doesn’t define you.”

Harley began gymnastics at the age of four while attending a wheelchair training course.

His mum Steffanie had been struggling to find an inclusive club for children with physical disabilities before discovering City of Glasgow Gymnastics.

The schoolboy quickly became popular while his family noticed his strength and confidence skyrocket.

Now he hopes to compete at the World Championships one day, along with the Paralympics if gymnastics is to be included.

Harley has scooped national medals for his gymnastics skills. (Image: Newsquest)

Steffanie said: “Gymnastics has given Harley a platform where he feels included and thrives.

“His confidence is growing every time he steps into that gym.

“He loves taking his medals to the school and hospital to show people and they’re all so proud of him.

“It’s incredible to see how much the sport has developed his strength and balance too.

“Harley couldn’t take steps unaided until well over three, so the fact he is doing what he is in the gym and with sheer strength and control is truly something special.

“As the gym is padded, it’s given him a large safe space to strengthen his mobility whilst doing something that he loves.

“I really don’t think he would be as strong and as mobile as he is if it wasn’t for gymnastics and the dedication of his coaches.”

Harley has often missed out on training sessions over the years due to illness, surgeries and recovery.

This can force him to be off for months at a time, but he is always welcomed back with open arms.

Steffanie said: “The team and coaches are always welcoming and glad to see Harley return.

"He is never excluded during training and if there is something he struggles with, they adapt the session.

"They instead focus on Harley’s strengths and build upon them to get the best from him.

“The men’s section at the club is such a close-knit team and they are all very supportive of one another.

“The older gymnasts are always encouraging the younger ones and cheering them on – it’s brilliant.”