I Never Thought I’d Walk Again… NOW I’M DANCING!

The smokin’-hot pro bull rider says his recovery is nothing short of a miracle

Seven years after becoming a world champion bull rider at age 20, Bonner Bolton saw his life flash before his eyes. He got tossed during a ride in January 2016, landed on his head and was paralyzed from the neck down. But after an amazing recovery, which included spinal fusion surgery, he’s now doing the tango on Dancing With the Stars. “It’s truly a miracle what happened to me,” Bonner, 29, tells In Touch. “To go from lying in a bed, paralyzed, to where I am now.” The handsome Texan has also signed a contract with IMG Models, and his obvious chemistry with dance partner Sharna Burgess has the rumor mill abuzz. Here, Bonner talks about his memories from that fateful day, how he’s feeling now and his surprising guilty pleasure. What’s it like to be told, “You’re probably never going to walk again”?

BB: It’s really tough, especially when you’re at the peak of your career in the sport that you love.

Can you believe how far you’ve come? BB: The doctor who did my surgery told me that I’m an inspiration to anyone who’s sustained a spinal injury.

What do you remember from the day you got injured? BB: I remember everything. I was fully conscious the whole time. Honestly, I believed I was dying. I was saying my last prayer.

What are some of the challenges you went through during your recovery? BB: There were some dark times. It was hard to hold a fork the right way for a few months. I couldn’t bathe myself, I had to have help. Does it hurt your neck now to do any of the dance moves? BB: It can be really painful, but I push through it.

Will you get back on a bull? BB: This sport has been my life since I was 10. I don’t know if the doctors will ever clear me, but I’m working to regain my athletic ability so it can be my decision, not theirs.

Let’s set the record straight. Are you and Sharna single? BB: Both very single.

Do you have a type? BB: I like girls who are fearless in life, embrace new adventures and love to laugh.

When you think about the future, what do you see? Family? Kids? BB: Yeah, hopefully all of it. But right now I’ve just got to go one step at a time. ◼

NEW LEASE ON LIFE “I don’t want to take one day for granted,” Bonner says of his attitude following his 2016 accident.

IN THE HOSPITAL “I refused to accept that I’d be paralyzed,” says Bonner (at the hospital with pals the day before his spinal fusion surgery).

DOING THE FOX-TROT “It’s hard for me,” admits Bonner (with DWTS partner Sharna Burgess), “but I’m driven and I won’t give up.”