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Lindsey Vonn's path to recovery has not been easy.
After colliding during the women's downhill final at the Olympics in Cortina, Italy on February 8, the alpine ski racer shared a more detailed update on her recovery from her most recent surgery.
“Surgery went well today!” Lindsey, who has undergone more than three procedures in seven days since the incident, wrote in the caption of a February 14 Instagram post. "Fortunately, I will be able to return to the United States! Once I return, I will provide you with additional updates and information about my injury."
But for now, the 41-year-old is reflecting on the terrifying incident that resulted in a broken left tibia.
“When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences,” she explained. "I understood what I was doing. I decided to take a risk. Every skier at the starting gate took the same risk. Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always has the upper hand."
Lindsey Vonn of Team United States inspects the course during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Championships.
"So please don't be sad," she said. "The ride was well worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night, I have no regrets, and my love of skiing remains. I'm still looking forward to the time when I can stand on top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
And while the Olympian Lindsey Vonn appreciates the well wishes from her fans, she clearly states that she does not want pity. She urges her supporters not to feel sadness for her situation, as she believes in transforming such emotions into strength for personal battles.
Vonn, who plans to compete in the 2026 Olympics despite a ruptured ACL, clarified that her injury did not cause her fall during a race; it was the result of an accidental encounter with a gate. She expressed a strong commitment to taking risks in her sport, emphasizing that she values pushing her limits over the possibility of regret.
Reflecting on her performance, she highlighted that she was physically stronger and mentally prepared than in years past, particularly since her retirement in 2019 when she won a bronze medal at the World Championships.
Although she did not achieve gold in the race, she considers the effort itself as the true victory, noting that readiness does not guarantee success but is essential in the pursuit of dreams.
