Winter Olympics icon confirms fresh surgery blow in hospital update

Lindsey Vonn has confirmed she requires further surgery on her broken leg this weekend, extending her hospital stay in Italy following a devastating crash at the Milan Cortina Games.

The 41-year-old released a video update from her bed in Treviso, admitting she still faces a “long, long way to go”.

It marks yet another setback for the American skiing legend, who has already undergone three operations since the accident.

A complex recovery

Vonn’s widely anticipated comeback from six years of retirement ended in heartbreak last Sunday.

The four-time World Cup overall champion crashed just 13 seconds into her downhill run, suffering a complex tibia fracture.

Speaking via Instagram, the speed specialist revealed that Saturday’s procedure is necessary before she can even consider travelling.

“Tomorrow I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well and then I can potentially leave and go back home,” she explained.

“At which point I will need another surgery.”

‘Finally feeling like myself’

Despite the physical toll, which includes a bruised eye and an ACL rupture sustained just nine days prior to the fracture, Vonn remains spirited.

She thanked fans for the influx of flowers, letters, and stuffed animals, claiming the support has helped her “get through this”.

“It has been quite a hard few days in the hospital here,” the former Olympic gold medallist admitted.

“I’m finally feeling more like myself.”

While her own campaign is over, Vonn continues to cheer on her compatriots from her ward.

“Good job, team, and keep crushing it,” she added.

“I’ll check in with you guys when I can.”