Lindsey Vonn has said she suffered a complex tibia fracture that will require multiple surgeries after a heavy crash during the women’s downhill competition at the Olympics on Sunday. The American was airlifted to hospital after her run ended abruptly, with her cries of pain heard on broadcast and fellow athletes visibly shaken.
Vonn, who had been competing while dealing with a ruptured ACL suffered a week earlier, wrote on Instagram that the crash was caused by her right arm hooking inside a gate, twisting her body. She insisted her ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with the incident and stated she had ‘no regrets’ about racing, calling the chance to win a victory in itself.
Social media criticism over her decision to race was dismissed by fellow skiers. US teammate Keely Cashman said the crash had nothing to do with Vonn’s knee and that people who think otherwise are totally incorrect. Italy’s Federica Brignone also defended Vonn, saying it is her body and her choice to race.
Another US teammate, Kyle Negomir, supported Vonn’s decision, describing her as the best speed skier ever and capable of pulling it off. However, Vonn’s father Alan Kildow told the Associated Press he believes she should retire, stating she is 41 and this is the end of her career. He has been at her bedside in Treviso hospital along with other family members.
