Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Lindsey Vonn underwent a third surgery on her fractured left leg Thursday, the American skiing icon announced in an Instagram post, as she continues to recover from a high-speed crash during Sunday’s downhill race at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago,” Vonn wrote, accompanying the message with a photo of herself in a hospital bed giving a thumbs-up, a metal frame visible supporting her leg. “I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok.”
The 41-year-classic Vonn’s Olympic comeback was cut short when she crashed just 13 seconds into her run on the challenging downhill course. She was airlifted off the mountain for medical attention and subsequently diagnosed with a “complex tibia fracture,” which she revealed Monday would require multiple surgeries to repair.
Vonn had previously stated she felt no regrets about competing despite the risks, emphasizing the inherent dangers of downhill ski racing. “The difference between a strategic line and a catastrophic injury can be as modest as 5 inches,” she explained in a prior Instagram post, adding that her previous ACL injuries were not a factor in the crash.
Her father, Alan Kildow, told the Associated Press Tuesday that Vonn is receiving constant support from family at the hospital in Treviso, Italy.
In her latest update, Vonn expressed gratitude for the medical staff, friends, family, and the outpouring of support she has received from around the world. She too extended congratulations to her Team USA teammates and fellow athletes competing in the Games.
“Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the stunning outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” Vonn added. “Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”
