By: Neal Flanagan
Bret Hart has taken to social media to mark 20 years since he suffered a stroke that left him temporarily paralyzed on his left side.
In a post yesterday on his official Facebook page and on Instagram, Hart included a photograph of his ring entrance at WrestleMania 26 in 2010, with the following message:
“Walking down the aisle at Wrestlemania 26 in Phoenix. Today marks 20 years since I suffered a stroke. I chose this photo because there was a time when I didn’t think this moment would ever happen again, especially when I was struggling to turn my hand over, unable to walk or stand, and struggling to talk. When you suffer a stroke, the doctors never promise that you’ll have a full recovery.
I still have some weakness on my left side to this day, but I’m very fortunate to be here today having recovered what I did. I will forever be grateful to the doctors and therapists at the Foothills Hospital here in Calgary and my fans around the world for their prayers. While the match itself will never be in anyone’s top 10, this moment represents one of my greatest victories.”
Hart, who will turn 65 on July 2nd, suffered a stroke on June 24, 2002, in Calgary after hitting a pothole while cycling, falling from his bicycle, and hitting the back of his head. After a grueling period of rehabilitation, although physically limited, he made several returns to the ring and has retained a high profile in an industry where he is lauded as one of the very best performers.
