Lindsay Wann of Hickory Flat overcame injuries that left her in a coma and nearly paralyzed before going on to win an international gymnastics competition.

The 18-year-old daughter of Eric and Robin Wann recently returned from England where she and partner Charlotte Souter placed first in rhythmic gymnastics.

She traveled there with a team from Chattooga School Gymnastics and Dance in east Cobb, where she takes gymnastics lessons.

They were the only team from the United States at the competition, said Cindy Bickman, gymnastics and dance instructor at Chattooga.

The teenager said she did not expect to place first.

"I was just excited to be competing for the first time since my car accident," she said.

Lindsay was involved in a crash on July 21, 2008, while driving on Interstate 575. Mrs. Wann said one of Lindsay's tires fell off her car, and she veered across the median and hit oncoming traffic.

Three young passengers, including Lindsay's younger sister, were in the car at the time of the crash and also suffered serious injuries that required hospitalization.

Lindsay, who was 16 at the time, was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. She spent a month there and an additional two months at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Lindsay suffered permanent brain damage, which causes her to suffer from frequent memory lapses, and a fractured skull. She had to endure intensive outpatient rehabilitation for two additional months.

Lindsay, who then was a student at Sprayberry High School, doesn't remember the crash and had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat and other motor skills.

Mrs. Wann, a special education teacher at Mabry Middle School, said Lindsay still isn't stable enough to be left alone. Her balance, while improved, remains unsteady and she only goes into public with her mother, father or boyfriend.

Lindsay's attitude has been "surprisingly upbeat," she said.

Doctors informed the family Lindsay may suffer from depression or moodiness, but Mrs. Wann said Lindsay is determined to improve her condition.

"One of the best things about her is that she has a great attitude and is motivated to get better," she said.

As a supplement to the traditional rehabilitation, Mrs. Bickman, who also owns Stepping Stone Farm in southeast Cherokee County, began teaching Lindsay Pilates and functional exercises trademarked by ActivCore to help rebuild her strength and stability. The horse farm includes a Pilates studio.

ActivCore incorporates exercises that promote strength development, enhances balance and improves coordination.

Mrs. Bickman said the teen's progress was slow at first, but after six months "she progressed by leaps and bounds."

"She was determined to get better," she said.

Mrs. Wann said the staff at Sprayberry, where Lindsay was a football and basketball cheerleader and on the competitive cheerleading squad, sent a full-time paraprofessional to help with her studies. She graduated from the east Cobb school in 2009.

The last two years, Mrs. Wann reflected, have "been very stressful" for the family. Lindsay's father lost his job 30 days after the accident, and Lindsay's close relationship with her younger sister, Nicole, has become strained.

"I would never wish this on any family," Mrs. Wann said.

While she's made significant improvement, Lindsay wants to be able to run and improve her jumping. She also is focused on her studies at Georgia Highlands College in Rome.

She said she may want to open a business overseas that would rent dogs to travelers who would like company from man's best friend.

The teenager said she hopes her battle to overcome injuries will inspire others.

"Keep your head up, stay strong and never give up," she said. "Keep working (at it) and things will get better."