Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn has been repatriated to the United States following an intensive week of medical care in Italy. The elite athlete sustained a catastrophic left leg injury during her downhill performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, necessitating her immediate hospitalization.
In a heartfelt social media update posted to platform X, Vonn expressed both physical challenges and emotional relief. “Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing,” she shared, accompanied by an American flag emoji. The skiing icon extended her gratitude to Italian medical personnel, stating, “Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”
Medical reports indicate the 41-year-old champion suffered a complex tibia fracture during her February 8 competition crash. The injury has already undergone multiple surgical interventions in Italy and will require additional specialized procedures stateside. This devastating incident occurred merely nine days after Vonn ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during a separate crash in Switzerland.
The sports world had eagerly anticipated Vonn’s Olympic return, viewing her comeback attempt after nearly six years of retirement as one of the Games’ most inspiring narratives. Her consecutive injuries have consequently cut short what was poised to be a celebrated return to elite competition.