Gaute Grøtta Grav’s Brother Faced Life-Altering Injury
Sturla Grøtta Grav’s life was dramatically changed after a serious accident.
A new season of “71° North – Team” is back on screen, and among the participants are brothers Gaute Grøtta Grav (46) and Sturla Grøtta Grav (43). Gaute is known as a host and television personality, and previously competed on “71° North” in 2024. This time, he’s joined by his younger brother Sturla, who works as an outdoor life instructor in Isfjorden.
The competitive duo is tackling the show’s challenges head-on, and Sturla didn’t hesitate when asked to participate.
“I really love the outdoors and training, so this was perfect for me. I don’t have a fear of heights or any phobias. The biggest challenge was probably Gaute’s snoring – sharing a tent with him for weeks was tough, but I could handle it,” Sturla said with a smile.
The experience was a positive one, and Sturla is grateful for the opportunity to share it with his brother. Appreciating experiences and living in the moment are priorities for the 43-year-old. A dramatic accident in 2022 helped position things into perspective. During a wrestling match, Sturla was thrown over his opponent’s shoulder – and landed on his neck.
“It cracked, and I was lying there completely paralyzed from the waist down,” Sturla explained.
He was rushed to the neurological department at the hospital with sirens blaring. There, he underwent a series of tests, unsure of the outcome.
“Those were some intense hours. I thought about what would happen if I became paralyzed and lost the use of my legs. I’m a very active guy, and I thought, ‘Who am I if I can’t be that anymore?’” he said.
Despite his fear and uncertainty, he decided to remain positive.
“I decided early on that this would be okay.”
He eventually received the good news. A vertebra was fractured, but movement and function would return with proper rehabilitation.
“I started small by wiggling my fingers. My arms were completely numb, and I had to get them moving again. Luckily, I was in good shape beforehand.”
After three months of wearing a neck brace and intensive rehabilitation, Sturla was back in form.
The frightening experience has made him more aware.
“Things can change quickly. I’m still going for it, but now I think twice before doing stunts. I haven’t done many somersaults since the accident. I was lucky – now I seize the days and make the most of life,” Sturla Grøtta Grav said.
