MILAN — In a social media post following her harrowing crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics, Lindsey Vonn said Wednesday she is already on the road to recovery.
“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 on Instagram. “I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok.”
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Vonn, the 41-year-old legendary skier, was competing in the Alpine women’s downhill event Sunday when she clipped a pole and crashed less than 15 seconds into her run. She was heard screaming in pain as she lay in the snow before she was airlifted off the course.
In a photo Vonn posted, her left leg can be seen in an external fixator, a device typically used to stabilize the leg and minimize swelling.
Vonn was competing at the Olympics despite having torn an ACL during a World Cup event in late January.
In her post, she also expressed gratitude for the support she has received since her latest crash.
“Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” she wrote. “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.”
Vonn is one of the most accomplished skiers in the history of the sport. Her 84 World Cup victories are second all-time behind only fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin. She has also won three Olympic medals, including one gold.
Unfortunately, injuries have played a major role in Vonn’s career.
In 2013, she tore the ACL and the MCL in her right knee and fractured her right leg in a crash at the World Championships. Later that year, she re-injured her ACL, preventing her from competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
In August 2015, she broke an ankle in a crash in New Zealand, then sustained fractures in her left knee the following February.
In 2018, Vonn tore the LCL in her left knee and sustained three fractures in the same leg after a crash during training, and the next year she announced her retirement.
In April 2024, Vonn announced she had undergone knee replacement surgery, but later that year she announced her comeback to skiing.
Following her latest injury this month, Vonn’s father said he hopes she retires for good.
“She’s 41 years old, and this is the end of her career,” Alan Kildow told The Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn as long as I have anything to say about it.”
