Lindsey Vonn shares emotional update with brutal image from hospital bed
American skier Lindsey Vonn has shared a progress update from her hospital bed after a horror crash left her with a broken leg.
The 41-year-old had previously torn her ACL, but insists that it didn't contribute to the crash during her downhill run in Cortina on Sunday (8 February), which saw her airlifted to hospital from the ski slope.
She has now shared a brutal photo from her hospital bed with what appears to be an external fixation device - commonly known as ex-fix - on her leg, as she updated fans and followers with her progress in the wake of the incident at the Winter Olympics, where she broke her left tibia.
Along with the picture, which features the aftermath of her latest operation, Vonn wrote: "I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful."
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Reflecting on the last few days, she added: "Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I'm making progress and while it is slow, I know I'll be ok."
The athlete also shared her gratitude for everyone who has helped so far, writing: "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.
"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 had careered out of control on the course, hitting a slalom gate just 13 seconds in, before colliding with the ground, hard.
She continued to fall, appearing to hit her shoulder next, before eventually sliding to a stop where medical crews rushed to assist her.
Vonn also shared a picture of the many bouquets of flowers and other floral arrangements she has been sent by well-wishers.
Her father, Alan Kildow, has pleaded with her to move on from skiing now, after he was in the crowd watching as the horrific accident unfolded.
He told The Associated Press: "She's 41 years old and this is the end of her career, there will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it."
Despite his pleas, Vonn says she has 'no regrets' about what happened.
After the incident, she wrote: "My Olympic dream did not finish the way I dreamt it would. It wasn't a story book ending or a fairy tale, it was just life. I dared to dream and had worked so hard to achieve it.
"Because in Downhill ski racing the difference between a strategic line and a catastrophic injury can be as small as five inches.
"I was simply five inches too tight on my line when my right arm hooked inside of the gate, twisting me and resulted in my crash. My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever.
"Unfortunately, I sustained a complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly."
Vonn added: "While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets. Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget."
Topics: Winter Olympics, Sport, Extreme Sports
Jen Thomas