Lindsey Vonn returns to the US after surgery following Winter Olympics crash
Lindsey Vonn has arrived back in the United States following a harrowing week of medical treatment in Italy after her devastating crash at the Winter Olympics, reports BritPanorama.
The 41-year-old skiing legend suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women’s downhill event and required four separate surgical procedures to address the severe damage to her leg. She was discharged from the Italian hospital on Sunday after her final operation took place the previous day.
The American confirmed her return home on Monday evening via social media, expressing gratitude to the European medical teams who cared for her whilst acknowledging she remains unable to stand more than a week after the accident. Her younger sister Karin Kildow, 37, spoke about the difficult period the family has endured since the incident, stating, “It’s been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot,” adding that they are working on getting her back to the U.S.
Medical experts have cautioned that injuries of this severity can sometimes necessitate amputation, highlighting the precarious nature of Vonn’s condition. When asked about online criticism directed at her sister, Kildow dismissed the negativity, saying, “You know what? Everyone’s gonna have their thing to say, I think… but she’s strong and she did it.”
Vonn posted an emotional message upon her arrival home, writing: “[I] haven’t stood on my feet in over a week been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing… huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”
Earlier on Monday, she shared footage from her hospital stay showing her rehabilitation exercises and moments of daily care as she worked towards recovery. Vonn expressed her gratitude towards friends, family, and medical staff in a message stating, “I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics, and the simple things in life that mean the most.”
The accident occurred last Sunday when Vonn lost control during the opening traverse, having cut the racing line too tightly before being thrown into the air. She was heard screaming in pain as medical personnel rushed to her aid before being airlifted from the course by helicopter. Some critics have questioned her decision to race after tearing her ACL in her left knee in the days preceding the event; however, Vonn maintains this injury played no part in the crash.
In a defiant statement last week, she declared: “Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
As Vonn ponders her future, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of elite sport — sometimes, the path to glory is fraught with both triumph and tribulation. The ski community will be watching closely as she embarks on her recovery and contemplates her return to the slopes.
