Lindsey Vonn posts emotional update following Winter Olympics crash
Lindsey Vonn says she is “slowly coming back to life” after undergoing four surgeries following her crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The American skiing legend was airlifted to hospital after falling during the downhill competition on the second day of the Games.
Vonn, 41, had been attempting to become the oldest Alpine skiing medallist in Winter Olympics history.
Her campaign ended prematurely after she suffered a leg injury that required multiple operations.
It was also revealed she had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the days leading up to the event.
‘Back to basics’
Vonn has now been released from hospital in Italy and is preparing to return to the United States to continue her rehabilitation.
The four-time overall World Cup champion shared a video on social media documenting the early stages of her recovery.
“Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself,” Vonn wrote on Instagram.
“I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most. Smile. Laugh. Love.”
She revealed the video was compiled by her sister, Karin Kildow, adding that watching it “instantly made me cry”.
Retirement fears
The former Olympic champion now faces a rehabilitation period of up to 11 months.
Her father, Alan Kildow, has suggested this latest setback marks the end of her competitive career.
“She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” 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.”
He added that his daughter is “handling it real well” and understands the severity of her physical situation.