02/11/26 12:34:00
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02/11 12:32 CST Lindsey Vonn says she had a 'successful' 3rd surgery on broken
leg following crash at the Olympics
Lindsey Vonn says she had a 'successful' 3rd surgery on broken leg following
crash at the Olympics
By ANDREW DAMPF
AP Sports Writer
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) --- Lindsey Vonn had a "successful" third surgery
on her broken left leg following her downhill crash at the Olympics, the
American skier said Wednesday
Vonn posted an update on Instagram that included photos of her giving a thumbs
up sign in her hospital bed with a metal frame attached to her leg.
"I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a
completely different meaning than it did a few days ago," Vonn said. "I'm
making progress and while it is slow, I know I'll be ok."
The 41-year-old Vonn crashed 13 seconds into her run during Sunday's race at
the Milan Cortina Games and was airlifted off the course by helicopter. She
said late Monday she had suffered a "complex tibia fracture that is currently
stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly."
Nine days before Sunday's crash, Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee in
another crash. Even before then, all eyes had been on her as the feel-good
story heading into the Games for her comeback after nearly six years of
retirement.
Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, told The Associated Press on Monday that she is
surrounded by family "at all times" at the hospital in Treviso where she is
being treated.
"Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have
been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people
around the world," Vonn added. "Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of
the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to
cheer for."
Vonn, who holds the record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, returned to
ski racing in December 2024, following surgery to insert a partial titanium
replacement in her right knee in April of that year.
She was the top speed racer this season entering the Olympics, winning two
downhills and finishing on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races
that she finished. She came fourth in the other one.
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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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