Skier Lindsey Vonn is allowed to come back to the US following several surgeries.

Lindsey Vonn Returns Home After Surgeries

U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn has announced her return home after undergoing multiple surgeries. This comes six days post her crash during the women’s downhill race at Milan-Cortina, which happened just 13 seconds into her run. In total, she had four surgeries at an Italian hospital.

“Today’s surgery went well! Thankfully, I can finally return to the United States,” Vonn shared in an Instagram post.

While she has chosen not to disclose specific details about her condition, she mentioned, “Once we return, we will provide updates and information regarding the injury.” Vonn also expressed gratitude towards her supporters, saying, “I read a lot of messages and comments saying what happened to me saddens them. Please don’t be sad.”

The accident had a significant impact, as fans were stunned to see Vonn, a prominent figure in winter sports, suffer such a mishap shortly after making her return to competition after a brief retirement. She was still recovering from a torn ACL at the time of the incident, which led to her urgent surgeries.

Reflecting on her crash, Vonn acknowledged that she was aware of the risks involved. “Looking back at the crash, I didn’t stand at the starting gate not knowing the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take the risk… Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk,” she stated.

She admitted her willingness to embrace risks, stating, “I was willing to take risks and push and sacrifice for something that I knew I was capable of. I don’t want to cross the finish line and say, ‘What if?'” Interestingly, she felt physically stronger during this year’s competition compared to her last appearance in 2019.

“I was definitely stronger than when I ended my career with a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2019. And mentally too… Mentally I was perfect. Clear, focused, hungry, aggressive, yet completely calm,” Vonn explained. Despite her confidence, she recognized that, in life, nothing is guaranteed. “It’s a gamble to follow a dream. You might fall, but you’ll never know if you don’t try,” she added.

Although Vonn feels she’s beginning to recover, she hinted that more medical treatment may be necessary. In a recent post, she mentioned, “I feel like I’m finally starting to feel like myself, but I still have a long way to go.” She is scheduled for another surgery soon and hopes to be discharged afterward, although she might need yet another procedure.