Lindsey Vonn retirement theory shut down after Winter Olympics crash | Other | Sport
Vonn lost her balance after hitting a gate and crashed heavily onto the slope. It was later confirmed that she had undergone surgery on a broken leg – the same leg in which she previously tore her ACL and she is expected to require further procedures. Despite positive steps in her recovery, she still faces major challenges in rehabilitation, including the possibility of amputation.
According to orthopaedic expert knee specialist, Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, the impact of the injury could remain for the rest of her life. “The timeline is quite unpredictable,” he told RMC Sport. “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…”
Despite all the steps Vonn will need to take in the coming months and possibly years, former five‑time Olympian White believes she could still make a return at the 2030 Winter Olympics.
When asked whether that was realistic, he said: “Oh, for sure. She’s impressive Lindsey, you’re a legend. You inspire us all.
“You’re going to go down in history as the greatest and there’s no disputing that. The fact that she came back from previous injuries and got back out on the mountain and then started to win, that’s just got to be the most incredible feeling.
“But I’ve always told athletes, it’s never a straight path to the Olympics. There’s twists and turns and she hit a big hurdle, which was injuring the knees again.”
On Friday evening, Vonn shared a video update on her injury status, saying: “Hey guys, just wanted to give you a little update and say thank you so much to everyone that has sending me flowers, and letters, stuffed animals, it’s just been so amazing and really help me a lot.
“It’s been a quiet hard few days here in the hospital here. I’m finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long way to go. Tomorrow, I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well.
“Then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point I’ll need another surgery. Don’t know exactly what that entails until I get some better imaging.
“That’s kind of where I’m at right now. I am just in the hospital, very much immobile, but I have a lot of friends and family coming to visit.”
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