Lindsey Vonn has hit back at suggestions she should retire, insisting she will decide her own future after her serious crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The 41-year-old American, who is recovering from a complex tibia fracture in her left leg, took to social media on Sunday to address speculation about her career.
“No, I’m not ready to discuss my future in skiing,” Vonn wrote. “It was incredible to be #1 in the world again at 41 years old and set new records in my sport, but at my age, I’m the only one that will decide my future. I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes me happy. Maybe that means racing again, maybe that doesn’t. Only time will tell. Please stop telling me what I should or should not do. I’ll let you know when I decide.”
The remarks came after a fan accused her of having a strong ego, to which Vonn replied: “Think you’re mistaking my ego for joy. I’ve said it my whole life; I love skiing. I’ll put my feet up when I’m good and ready thank you.”
Vonn crashed just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run in February, suffering a complex tibia fracture that led to compartment syndrome, a condition in which pressure builds up inside a muscle and restricts blood flow. She has since said she nearly lost her leg. The 41-year-old has been sharing recovery videos on social media, showing herself lifting weights and riding a stationary bike. “I’m biking!!” she wrote. “Starting with 5 minutes ... making progress one day at a time.”
Vonn’s latest comeback followed nearly six years away from racing and knee replacement surgery. She won two downhill races this season and secured podium finishes in three others, establishing herself among the favourites for the Olympic downhill, an event she won at the 2010 Vancouver Games. In her Sunday post, she added: “My focus has been on recovering from my injury and getting back to normal life. I was already retired for 6 years and have an amazing life outside of skiing.”
