Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skiing champion, is scheduled for additional surgery on her fractured left leg this Saturday at an Italian medical facility. This procedure represents the latest phase in her challenging rehabilitation journey after a severe accident during the Olympic downhill competition at the Milan Cortina Games.
Hospital Bed Update from Treviso
In a heartfelt Instagram video shared from her hospital bed in Treviso on Friday, Vonn conveyed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support she has received from fans worldwide. "Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a little update and say thank you so much to everyone that has been sending me flowers and letters," she expressed, mentioning the comforting gifts of stuffed animals, including a shark pillow she was using for support. "It’s just been so amazing and really helped me a lot."
"It has been quite a hard few days in the hospital here. I’m finally feeling more like myself. I have a long, long way to go," Vonn continued. "Tomorrow I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well and then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point I will need another surgery. Still don’t know exactly what that entails yet until I get some better imaging, but it’s kind of where I am right now."
Light-Hearted Moments Amid Recovery
She also humorously addressed a bruise under her eye in a written caption, adding, "Almost gone though!" This positive attitude highlights her resilience during this difficult period.
Details of the Olympic Crash and Injuries
The 41-year-old athlete's medical crisis began when she crashed merely 13 seconds into her run during Sunday’s race, requiring an emergency airlift from the slope. Vonn later confirmed a "complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly," having already undergone a "successful" third operation earlier in the week. This recent injury compounded a ruptured ACL in her left knee, which she sustained in another accident just nine days before Sunday’s event.
A Comeback Story Interrupted
Vonn’s participation in the Olympics had been a highly anticipated return after nearly six years of retirement, making her current situation particularly poignant. Despite being confined to her hospital bed, she emphasized the solace of having loved ones by her side. "I feel very lucky and fortunate to have so many people around me that have really helped me get through this so I just wanted to say thank you and go Team USA," she concluded, noting that watching her team compete had "really lifted my spirits. Good job, team, and keep crushing it. I’ll check in with you guys when I can."
As Vonn prepares for this weekend's surgery, the skiing community and fans globally continue to rally behind her, hoping for a smooth recovery and eventual return to health.
