Lindsey Vonn has issued fans with a positive update following her horrific Olympic crash, which left the Team USA alpine ski racer needing multiple surgeries.
The 41-year-old athlete suffered a mid-air collision with a slalom gate just 13 seconds into the race before being airlifted from the Cortina slopes to a hospital in Treviso on Sunday (8 February).
There, Vonn underwent 'multiple surgeries', after suffering a 'complex tibia fracture' with Ca’ Foncello Hospital later confirming in a statement given to Olympics.com that one of these was 'orthopaedic surgery to stabilise a fracture in her left leg'.
"Lindsey Vonn sustained an injury," a spokesperson for US Ski and Snowboard Team also shared on X, "but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians."
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The incident happened just over a week after Vonn first damaged her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) following a fall at a World Cup race at Crans-Montana, prompting criticism and concern from medical and sporting professionals.
Following the crash, Vonn took to Instagram to issue a statement, claiming he has 'no regrets' over her decision to compete.
"Yesterday, my Olympic dream did not finish the way I dreamt it would," Vonn began. "It wasn't a storybook ending or a fairy tale, it was just life. Unfortunately, I sustained a complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly.
"While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets."
She's since issued another statement on Wednesday (11 February), taking to the social media platform to assure fans that her third surgery so far has been 'successful'.
She shared with her 3.3 million followers: "I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.
"I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok."
Vonn went on to thank all the 'incredible' medical staff, along with her friends and family members 'who have been by my side' as well as 'the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world'.
"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," she concluded in the update.
Fans took no time rushing to the comments to share their praise with one writing: "You are so inspiring!!!"
"You, Lindsey! You’re an inspiration!" gushed a second as a third chimed in: "Superhero!"
Another beamed: "You got this!!!"
And a final Instagram user echoed: "A portrait of courage, determination and inspiration, for which we are so fortunate to witness. Respect!"
Topics: Olympics, News, World News, Sport, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle