A defiant Lindsey Vonn has provided a fresh update after her horror Winter Olympics crash left her facing fears she could lose her left leg – and delivered a message that will send shockwaves through the skiing world.
The 41-year-old American great underwent a fourth procedure on Saturday in an Italian hospital after suffering a complex tibia fracture, yet insisted she has ‘no regrets’ and astonishingly vowed she will one day return to the slopes.
In an emotional social media post from her hospital bed, Vonn revealed the latest surgery had been a success and confirmed she will soon fly back to the United States to continue her recovery.
“Surgery went well today! Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US!” she wrote.
“Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury…. But until then, as I sit here in my bed reflecting, I have a few thoughts I’d like to share…”
Despite the severity of the crash, which came just days after she tore the ACL in her left knee, Vonn made clear she refuses to be pitied.
“I have been reading a lot of messages and comments saying that what has happened to me makes them sad,” she said.
A defiant Lindsey Vonn has provided a fresh update after her horror Winter Olympics crash left her facing fears she could lose her left leg – and delivered a message that will send shockwaves through the skiing world
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“Please, don’t be sad. Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy.
“I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.”
The skiing icon was brutally spun through the air last Sunday after losing control over the opening traverse, having cut her line too tight.
Lindsey Vonn crashed while competing at the Winter Olympics with a serious ACL injury | REUTERS
She was heard screaming in agony as medical personnel rushed to her side before she was strapped to a gurney and airlifted from the mountain by helicopter.
Remarkably, Vonn says she knew the risks.
“When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences,” she said.
“I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
“Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards.”
In perhaps her most striking declaration, Vonn hinted that her relationship with skiing is far from over.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash, with the skier sustaining a broken leg | GETTY
“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,” she stated.
“I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
On Saturday, she also shared footage of her final run before the race that ended in disaster, describing it as ‘A classic Cortina day’ and adding: “Thankful I have this memory.”
Yet her optimism may not be shared by those closest to her. Her father, Alan Kildow, has publicly urged her to walk away.
“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” he told Associated Press.
“There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
