Lindsey Vonn reveals severity of Winter Olympics injury
Lindsey Vonn has disclosed that her Winter Olympics injury is considerably worse than originally understood, revealing her “leg is still in pieces” following the devastating crash during the women’s downhill event, reports BritPanorama.
The 41-year-old American skiing icon underwent four surgical procedures after sustaining a complex tibia fracture on February 8 at the Olimpia delle Tofane piste in Cortina. A knee specialist has warned that comparable injuries have previously necessitated amputation.
Vonn documented her arduous return journey from Italy to the United States on social media, sharing footage that revealed the extensive medical support required to transport her. The Olympic champion was discharged from hospital on Sunday after her fourth operation went smoothly on Saturday, enabling her departure the following day.
However, moving the injured athlete from her hospital bed to the airport and onto an aircraft proved exceptionally challenging given her condition. Following the accident, Vonn indicated on X that she had not been able to stand on her own feet for over a week, detailing her immobility since the race.
She wrote: “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.” The skiing legend expressed gratitude for those who cared for her during her hospital stay in Italy and shared that she is grateful for the medical care she received.
Despite the severity of her injuries and the sobering medical warnings, Vonn remains determined about her future in the sport. Competing with a torn ACL when she lost control during the race, she insisted she harbours no regrets about her return to competition. “Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall,” she said. “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.”
Vonn’s situation illustrates the relentless demands of elite competition and the human cost of such pursuits. Her journey from injury to recovery will be closely watched by fans and aspiring athletes alike, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition and safety in sports.
