At a Glance
- Justine Brink lost her thumb in a foiling accident off Cape Town.
- The injury occurred when a tow rope tightened around her thumb during a fall.
- Brink has shared her recovery journey on TikTok, gaining viral attention.
- Why it matters: The story highlights the risks of watersports and the power of social media storytelling.
Justine Brink, a 25-year-old from Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, lost her thumb during a foiling session on a sunny day. The accident happened when a tow rope tightened around her thumb after she fell. Since then, Brink has documented her recovery on TikTok, drawing millions of viewers.
The Accident
On a calm morning in Hout Bay, Brink, her boyfriend, and three friends were out foiling-a watersport where a surfboard lifts above the water thanks to a hydrofoil. Brink had already enjoyed a full session, spotting dolphins along the way, and was ready to wrap up and head to work. When she saw her boyfriend take one last ride, she jumped back into the water without her wetsuit, feeling the urge to join.
“I got jealous,” Brink told News Of Los Angeles exclusively. “I thought, ‘This wake is amazing, let me just go one more time.'”
Less than 10 seconds into the ride, the rope she had wrapped around her hand tightened violently when she fell. She had wrapped the rope around her hand regularly, admitting, “I do all the time but I know you should never do,” but a loop had caught her thumb without her noticing.
“I slid into the water thinking it was fine,” she recalled. “Then I felt this sudden pull on my hand. I lifted it… and my thumb was gone. It just wasn’t there anymore.”
Immediate Response
Brink’s friends acted quickly, shouting for help and pulling her onto the boat. She screamed, “My thumb! My thumb!”, while she tried to stop the bleeding.
At the hospital, doctors injected blockers into her hand to manage the intense pain. “It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said. The medical team confirmed that her thumb was indeed missing.
- Possible treatments:
- A “toe thumb” transplant using her second toe.
- Reconstruction using bone from her hip.
- Recovery outlook: Long and complicated.
Medical Treatment and Prognosis
Doctors explained that either a toe thumb transplant or hip bone reconstruction would be required. Both options involve extensive surgery and a prolonged recovery period.
“Doctors confirmed what I feared: my thumb was gone,” Brink said. “I would likely receive a toe thumb or undergo reconstruction using bone from my hip. Either way, it would be a long and complicated recovery.”
Despite the grim prognosis, Brink maintained a positive outlook. “People lose limbs and still get back to doing what they love. I know I’ll figure out a way too,” she added.
Recovery and Public Response
Through TikTok and Instagram, Brink shared her journey with humor, bravery, and candidness. Millions of viewers followed her posts, drawn to her resilience.
“Seeing my videos go viral has been overwhelming in the best way,” she said. “I never expected so many people to care. It’s shown me how powerful storytelling can be.”
The support extended beyond comments. Brink received messages from people who had lost thumbs or had toe thumbs, struggling with depression or fear. “Seeing my video helped them realize it’s okay to deal with it positively,” she said.
Brink’s Message and Future
In interviews, Brink emphasized the strength of the mind in overcoming adversity. “Yes, losing a thumb is bad,” she said, “but your mind is the strongest tool you have. You can get through almost anything.”
She also humorously reflected on her new situation: “Always two thumbs up, soon to be one thumb and one toe up,” she joked, maintaining her trademark optimism.
Brink’s story illustrates how a sudden accident can transform a life and how social media can amplify personal resilience. Her journey continues to inspire many who face similar challenges.
Key Takeaways
- A foiling accident in Cape Town caused Justine Brink to lose her thumb.
- Immediate medical intervention confirmed the loss and outlined possible surgical options.
- Brink’s positive attitude and social media presence have attracted widespread support.
- Her experience offers hope and practical insights for others dealing with limb loss.
