Lindsey Vonn gives health update after Olympic skier was warned she could face amputation

Lindsey Vonn has given a new update on her recovery after Winter Olympic dream ended in a horror crash.

The 41-year-old joined Team USA in the women's skiing events for the Milan games despite rupturing her ACL just eight days earlier in a dramatic feat of sporting achievement.

Unfortunately for Vonn her goal of winning a medal was cut short after she clipped one of poles while racing in the women's downhill final on 8 February, causing her to take a tumble down the slope.

Vonn suffered an extensive leg fracture during the crash, with a hospital bed selfie showing the Olympian's left leg encased in a large external fixation device.

The skier has now shared a new update on her condition, revealing that she has not been able walk since the accident.

Sharing the update on X, Vonn explained that she had flown back to the US after receiving initial treatment in Italy, which included undergoing three separate surgeries.

"Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing," she wrote.

"Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me."

Vonn's latest update comes follows her sister Karin Kildow revealed the athlete had undergone a 'rough' week in hospital.

"It's been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot," she told TMZ Sports.

"Just one day at a time. She's super strong, but there's a lot of surgeries and things. We're working on getting her back to the U.S."

Kildow went on to dismiss criticism about Vonn competing while injured, adding: "You know what? Everyone's gonna have their thing to say, I think... but she's strong and she did it."

Meanwhile a warning from a specialist knee expert who suggested the athlete could be at risk of losing her leg due to the severity of the injury.

Sharing their analysis with RMC Sport, orthopedic expert knee specialist Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottettold said it could be months until Vonn walks independently 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." Dr Sonnery-Cottettold, who is not treating Vonn's injury, explained.

"The latest images posted on her Instagram account show that, even though the surgeries were successful, the 'external fixator' - that is, the enormous pin they put in her left leg - proves that they haven't been able to fully repair her fracture.

"It's only temporary for now. It's important to understand that her injury is extremely serious and will cause her problems for at least months, and could even leave her with lifelong consequences."