Lindsey Vonn remains unable to stand more than a week after fracturing her left tibia in the women’s alpine skiing downhill final at the Winter Olympics. The severe injury required four surgeries, but she has now returned to the United States following treatment in Italy.
Injury and Initial Treatment
Medics airlifted Vonn by helicopter from the slope in Cortina d’Ampezzo to a hospital in Treviso for advanced care. She spent a week under medical supervision there before release on Sunday. Vonn then departed from Treviso airport to resume recovery at home.
Latest Health Updates
In a recent post on X, Vonn shared her condition: “Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing. #imhome #BeLv Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”
Earlier, she posted on Instagram ing gratitude: “Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself…. I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most. Smile. Laugh. Love.” The post featured a video made by her sister, Karin Kildow. Vonn noted: “My sister made this video, and it instantly made me cry and made my heart full. Love you guys.”
Following her most recent surgery, Vonn confirmed: “Surgery went well today! Thankfully, I will be able to finally go back to the US! Once I’m back, I will give you more updates and info about my injury.”
Reflection on the Crash
From her hospital bed, Vonn reflected on the incident: “I was willing to risk and push and sacrifice for something I knew I was absolutely capable of doing. I will always take the risk of crashing whilst giving it my all, rather than not ski to my potential and have regret. I never want to cross the finish line and say, ‘what if?'”
She added: “And to be perfectly honest, I was stronger physically in that moment than I have often been in the past. Certainly stronger than I was when I ended my career in 2019, where I got a bronze medal in the World Championships.”
“And mentally… Mentally, I was perfect. Clear, focused, hungry, aggressive yet completely calm… just as I had practiced over the past few months when I was on the podium in every downhill this season. Two wins and leading the standings… that was all a test to prepare me for the Olympics.”
Vonn emphasized her mindset: “Mentally, I was more ready than I have ever been. But just because I was ready, that didn’t guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That’s the gamble of chasing your dreams: you might fall, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
She concluded positively: “So please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night, I don’t have regrets, and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
