American skier Lindsey Vonn announced on Wednesday that she successfully underwent her third surgery on her injured left leg, which she broke during a downhill accident at the Olympics.
Vonn shared an update via Instagram, featuring a photo of herself giving a thumbs up from her hospital bed, where a metal frame was affixed to her leg.
“Today I had my third surgery, and it went well. The meaning of success today is entirely different from what it was just a few days ago,” Vonn remarked. “I am making strides, and although progress is slow, I am confident that I will be alright.”
The 41-year-old athlete crashed just 13 seconds into her run during the race at the Milan Cortina Games, necessitating an airlift from the course by helicopter. She revealed late Monday that she had suffered a “complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will necessitate multiple surgeries for proper repair.”
Just nine days prior to the crash, Vonn had ruptured the ACL in her left knee during a different incident. Leading up to the Games, she had garnered attention as a heartwarming story, making a comeback after nearly six years of retirement.
Andrea Panzeri, the head physician for the Italian Winter Sports Federation, informed The Associated Press that certain fractures require what he terms external fixation to stabilize the leg, often until further surgical intervention is needed.
Panzeri has treated renowned skiers like Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone after severe injuries for many years, but he noted that he has not examined Vonn or reviewed her X-rays, thus lacking direct knowledge of her specific injuries.
He expressed that he was not surprised by the image she shared, stating, “In our profession, nothing should take you by surprise, as every case is unique.”
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Lindsey Vonn says she’ll need multiple surgeries to repair broken leg after Olympic crash
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Lindsey Vonn suffers broken leg after crash in Olympic downhill; teammate Breezy Johnson takes gold
According to Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, she has family with her “at all times” while receiving treatment at a hospital in Treviso.
“I am grateful for the amazing medical personnel, friends, and family who have supported me, as well as the wonderful outpouring of love from people worldwide,” Vonn expressed. “Additionally, I extend huge congratulations to my teammates and all the Team USA athletes who inspire me and give me something to root for.”
Vonn, who holds the record for 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, returned to ski racing in December 2024 after having surgery to insert a partial titanium replacement in her right knee in April of that year.
Entering the Olympics, she was the top speed racer for the season, having secured victories in two downhills and finishing on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races she completed, coming in fourth in the remaining race.