For most, April 26, 2012 was a day like any other. But for Norwegian climber Rannveig Aamodt it was the day that everything changed. The 30-year-old rock climber was scaling a cliff in Geyikbayiri, Turkey when she lost her footing and fell off the rock face. Her husband Nathan Welton recalled the view of her mangled body lying on the ground, surrounded by blood that was mostly coming from a gash in her head.

This fall could have been the end of her life, and definitely would discourage a career in climbing. After all, Aamont suffered extensive injuries including fractures to her pelvis, elbow, feet, and ankles as well as tears in her tendons and severe dislocations to her ankles. At one point, the doctors weren’t sure she would be able to keep her legs, let alone walk or climb again.

But Aamodt was determined to return to the mountain, and so, in order to provide inspiration for those who endure injury, as well as spur herself toward a full recovery, she decided to document the entire, painful process. With the help of her husband, Aamodt allowed herself to be photographed and videotaped as she underwent a series of operations, was encased in plaster, and then, slowly, began physical therapy.

In October, Aamodt made her return to climbing while on a trip to Colorado. Though she admitted that it was not the way she remembered it, Aamont was ecstatic to have completed a climb. She returned to Norway to complete more rehab feeling reenergized and enthusiastic.

Since then, Aamodt has returned with a vengeance. Not only has she resumed the sport that almost killed her, she is tackling harder climbs than ever before. In a statement to the GA Daily News, she said “I felt like there was no other way than to try to accept my situation and make the best out of it. Climbing is my passion. It almost killed me but it also helped me get back to where I am today.”

View the image diary and read her first-hand story on her blog.

Image courtesy Nathan Welton photography via Rannveig Aamodt's facebook page