American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has disclosed that the horrific leg injury she sustained during the Winter Olympics is significantly more severe than initially anticipated. The 41-year-old athlete described her leg as being "in pieces" following a disastrous crash in the women's downhill race, which resulted in a complex tibia fracture requiring four separate surgical procedures.
A Grueling Medical Journey
Vonn's injury proved so serious that medical specialists warned some comparable cases have historically necessitated amputation. After her fourth and final operation proceeded successfully on Saturday, Vonn was discharged from hospital on Sunday, embarking on an arduous journey back to the United States the following day.
The Olympian documented her taxing transit from Italy to American soil through a series of Instagram videos, showcasing a substantial team of medical professionals assisting her departure. "My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!" Vonn wrote in her social media update. "Thankful to all of the medical staff who helped me get home."
Revealing the True Severity
Vonn emphasized that her condition extends far beyond a typical broken leg. "My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg," she explained. "I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead… but I’m going to give you more detail in the coming days."
The skiing champion revealed she hasn't stood on her own feet for over a week since the crash in Cortina, where she was immediately airlifted to hospital before undergoing multiple operations. "Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race," Vonn shared on X. "And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing."
The Catastrophic Crash
The accident occurred during the women's downhill competition where Vonn was participating despite a torn ACL. She lost control on the opening traverse after cutting the line too tightly, resulting in a dramatic mid-air spin. Following the crash, Vonn was heard screaming as medical personnel surrounded her before she was secured to a gurney and transported via helicopter.
Despite the gravity of her injury, Vonn maintains a defiantly optimistic outlook regarding her future relationship with skiing. "Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall," she stated last week. "When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains."
Looking Toward Recovery
Vonn expressed anticipation for her next surgical procedure, which will remove the external fixation device from her leg and potentially allow greater mobility. While her competitive skiing career appears conclusively affected, Vonn envisions returning to the slopes recreationally. "I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more," she affirmed. "And I will."
The athlete concluded her updates with gratitude for the support she has received, stating: "As always, I appreciate all the love and support" while also extending "Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me" during her hospitalization and complex medical evacuation.
