Lindsey Vonn hints at return to skiing after doctor warned of amputation following horror Olympic crash
Lindsey Vonn has suggested she might come back to the sport that saw her leg suffer major damage in the Winter Olympics.
Vonn, 41, has had an unfortunate fortnight after taking to the slopes in Italy for this year’s games.
The legendary skier had torn her ACL in her left knee days before competing, and despite her insistence that it did not influence her injury, people on social media were sceptical.
Vonn suffered a catastrophic injury during the opening traverse last Sunday (February 8) after catching the ski gate with her right side before falling.
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Fans watched in horror as she was seen screaming in agony on the Olympic slopes before being air lifted to seek emergency treatment.
Vonn has now undergone her fourth procedure on her broken leg after her tibia fracture.
The US athlete provided an update to her fans on Saturday (February 14) as she continues to stay in a hospital in Italy.
Vonn revealed she doesn’t have any ‘regrets’ and hinted about a return to the slopes one day.
Vonn said in her post: “Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains.
“I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
As for how her treatment plan is shaping up, she said the latest surgery was a success, writing: “Surgery went well today! Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US!
“Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury…. But until then, as I sit here in my bed reflecting, I have a few thoughts I’d like to share…”
Von revealed that a ‘lot of messages and comments saying that what has happened to me makes them sad’.
She told people not to be sad, sharing: “Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy.
“I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.
“When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.
“Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards.”
Vonn’s update comes after a doctor revealed she could lose her leg.
Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet told RMC Sport: “The timeline is quite unpredictable. It will be months before she can walk normally again.
“Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk. I think we're not yet at the stage of returning to high-level skiing. We're not there yet, but some injuries like hers can end in amputation…”
Britt Jones