Taking a few steps across a gym in the presence of just her trainer and carer, Marina Theron never imagined she'd end up an online hit.
A video of the 20-year-old quadriplegic was posted on Reddit by her personal trainer, Josh Bond, who wanted to share some good news with the world.
To his surprise the 49 second clip, which shows Theron walking without the assistance of crutches or a brace, began attracting a lot of attention.
Marina Theron working out with personal trainer Josh Bond.
"I thought it would be quite cool to share and it ended up being the hottest post in the world ... I didn't know what to do, I was on my phone for three or four hours just like 'what is going on?'"
Theron, who was aware the video had been posted, said it was pretty crazy to have so many people watch – and comment about – her online.
The pair has been training together for the three years.
"It's interesting people trying to comment and give advice when they only see a minute of who you are."
The clip has been viewed more than 85,000 times with more than a thousand users taking the time to comment.
The Palmerston North pair have been training together for the past three years, initially through Massey University and now through Bond's personal training business.
Marina Theron said it was "crazy" to have so many people watch her video.
"We've been training independently twice a week since July last year and the progress she's made has been insane ... not just walking, in terms of her upper body strength she's now able to do her hair, she wasn't able to do that before."
Five years ago Theron broke her neck after diving into a swimming pool and hitting her head. Since then her life has been primarily focused on rehabilitation.
While pleased with her recovery so far, she admitted it did feel tedious at times.
"Sometimes it feels slow but it's always good to see some improvements.
"For a few years I was only doing rehab whereas now I'm studying, I've got a life and do rehab on the side."