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Vonn reports progress after latest surgery
American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn announced she has undergone a third successful operation on her fractured left leg following a high-speed crash during the Winter Olympics downhill event in Cortina on Sunday.
The crash and initial treatment
Vonn, competing just nine days after tearing ligaments in her left knee, struck a gate 13 seconds into her run. She was airlifted from the slope and taken to a hospital in Treviso, where doctors diagnosed a "complex tibia fracture."
Surgeries and recovery
In an Instagram post, Vonn shared that her third surgery, performed on Thursday, was successful. "Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago," she wrote. "I'm making progress and while it is slow, I know I'll be OK."
She expressed gratitude for the medical team, her support network, and fans worldwide, while also congratulating her Team USA teammates for their performances.
A career of resilience
The 2010 Olympic downhill champion had aimed for a storybook finish to her storied career in Milan-Cortina. Vonn retired in 2019 as the most decorated female skier at the time but made a surprising comeback in 2024 after a partial right knee replacement.
Since her return, she secured eight World Cup podiums, including two victories, and was considered a medal contender in her fifth and final Olympics. Despite suffering an ACL injury in Switzerland ahead of the Games, she insisted on competing in Cortina, a venue where she had previously excelled.
"I dared to dream and had worked so hard to achieve it. I have no regrets," she said on Monday.
Olympics coverage
The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina run from February 6 to 22. Fans can follow live streams, highlights, and updates on BBC platforms (UK only), including BBC iPlayer, Radio 5 Live, and the BBC Sport website and app.
