Lindsey Vonn Reflects on Her Tough Journey Home After a Severe Winter Olympics Injury: ‘Leg in Shambles’
TEAM USA star Lindsey Vonn provided details about her challenging journey home after sustaining a severe leg injury at the Winter Olympics.
At 41, Vonn experienced a “complex” fracture in her left leg due to a crash just 14 seconds into her run at the women’s downhill skiing event two weeks ago.
This incident occurred shortly after the alpine skier ruptured her ACL while competing in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just over a week earlier.
For nine days, Vonn was confined to a hospital bed undergoing multiple surgeries.
Eventually, the Minnesota native received approval to fly back to the U.S. from Italy.
The Winter Olympics star released a video showing her discharge, the ambulance ride, and her boarding a flight to the U.S., where she was again transferred via ambulance to another hospital.
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Vonn took to Instagram: “My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!”
“Intensive care unit – ambulance – plane – ambulance – hospital.”
“I’m grateful to all the medical staff who assisted in my return, and I can’t wait for my next surgery to remove the X-fix from my leg to regain more mobility.”
“My injury was significantly more complicated than just a broken leg. I’m still processing its implications and the recovery process… but I’ll share further details soon.”
“As always, I’m appreciative of all the love and support.”
Vonn’s 3.5 million followers quickly filled the comments with encouraging messages.
One fan remarked: “And you handled all this with a smile!”
Another added: “You’ll always be our hero.”
A third stated: “Welcome back!”
Another fan commented: “Your strength is truly inspiring!”
Yet another wrote: “Sending you love.”
One more noted: “So glad you’re home! Let’s get you fixed up!”
Vonn will need additional surgeries on her injured leg in the U.S., which will require an extended hospital stay.
She tweeted upon her arrival: “I haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… I’ve been immobilized in a hospital bed since my race.”
“Although I’m unable to stand just yet, being back home feels incredible.”
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone in Italy for their outstanding care.”
