‘Success Today Has A Completely Different Meaning,’ Lindsey Vonn After Third Leg Surgery
Lindsey Vonn recently gave an update that she had her third successful surgery on the broken leg she unfortunately suffered during the women’s Olympic downhill event on Sunday.
Vonn posted photos on Instagram to give the update, including photos of her giving a thumbs up in her hospital bed with a metal frame attached to her leg.
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.”
“I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be okay,” Vonn wrote.
On Sunday’s race at the Milan Cortina Games, the 41-year-old professional athlete crashed just 13 seconds into her run, and had to be airlifted off the course by helicopter.
She stated late on Monday that she had suffered a “complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly.”
Additionally, just nine days before her crash on Sunday, Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee in another crash. Previously, Vonn was making headlines and excited fans after she returned to the Games from about six years of retirement.
Alan Kildow, Vonn’s father, told the Associated Press this week that Lindsey is surrounded by family “at all times” at the hospital in Treviso where she is currently being treated.
Andrea Panzeri, the chief physician for the Italian Winter Sports Federation, also told the publication that some fractures require “external fixation to keep the leg stable,” often until a further surgery is performed.
Panzeri has operated on other top skiers after serious injuries such as Sofia Goggia and Federica Brigone.
“Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” Vonn said.
“Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”
Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, and returned to racing in December 2024, after she endured a knee replacement surgery in April 2024.
She was the top speed racer this season as she entered the Olympics, by winning two downhills and finishing on the podium, in seven of the eight World Cup races, she also came in fourth in the other one.
Vonn has received an outpour of support in her comments just a few hours after delivering her update.
Hall of Fame tennis star Billie Jean King wrote, “Forever the champion! Feel better soon.” Seven-time Olympic track champion Allyson Felix said, “sending you lots of love.”
Teammate Bella Wright commented of Vonn, “the baddest there is.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.