Lindsey Vonn admits losing world number one spot after Olympic crash
Lindsey Vonn has admitted she is set to lose her status as the world’s number one downhill skier following the leg injury that ended her Winter Olympic campaign.
The 41-year-old saw her hopes of claiming a medal in Milano-Cortina shattered last month when she sustained a severe leg fracture just 13 seconds into her downhill run.
Vonn was airlifted to hospital after screaming in agony on the piste, eventually requiring four operations in Italy before returning to the United States.
Painful acceptance for American star
In an emotional update to supporters, the American speed specialist acknowledged that her absence from competition means relinquishing the red leader bib.
“Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1,” she said.
“At the beginning of the season, no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position.”
“But winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it.”
An extraordinary comeback
Vonn had stunned the skiing world by returning to elite competition following a six-year retirement and a partial knee replacement.
Despite the premature end to her season, the Minnesota native recorded two victories and reached the podium in every downhill race she completed.
“I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget,” she added.
“Even though in a few days no one will remember that I almost won the season title, I will remember.”
“I didn’t want to win the title to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I knew I could.”
Uncertainty over future
Vonn is now focusing on rehabilitation, though questions remain regarding whether she will ever compete professionally again.
She admitted that missing out on the title has been difficult to process because of her enduring love for the sport.
“My tears just mean I care. I always have. That’s why I work so hard. Skiing is my passion,” she said.
“Whether I’ll ever be able to do it again is…”
