Lindsey Vonn's Latest Surgery a Success, Eyes Return to U.S.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) —Lindsey Vonn'srecent surgery on her left leg, which she fractured during the Olympic downhill, was successful, and she "will now be able to return to the U.S."the prominent American skier stated Saturday.

A 41-year-old Vonn is receiving medical care at a hospital in Treviso.

She crashed 13 seconds into her sprintduring last Sunday's competition and wastaken off the course by helicopter. She said on Monday that she had experienceda "complicated fracture of the tibia that is currently stable but will need several operations to be correctly repaired."

She mentioned on Wednesday that her third operation was "successful."

Nine days prior to Sunday's accident, Vonn tore the ACL in her left knee.another crash. Long before that, everyone was watching her as the heartwarming tale leading up to the Olympics for her return after almost six years away from the sport.

I've been reading many messages and comments saying that what happened to me makes them sad," Vonn said on Instagram. "Please, don't be sad. I welcome empathy, love, and support with an open heart, but please not sadness or pity. I hope it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that's what I'm doing and that's what I will continue to do. Always.

When I reflect on my accident, I wasn't at the starting line without understanding the possible outcomes. I was fully aware of my actions. I decided to take a chance.

Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, spoke to The Associated Presson Monday, he stated that his daughter will no longer compete if he has any say in her choice.

But Vonn ended her most recent message by stating that she is "still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once again. And I will."

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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics