Lindsey Vonn Hurt Badly in Ski Race, Needs Many Surgeries

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn had a bad leg break during a race. She needed several surgeries and is now recovering. Her sister said it was tough, but Lindsey is strong.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Sports |

Lindsey Vonn, a celebrated Olympic skier, faced a severe injury during a recent downhill race. The incident resulted in a gruesome leg break, necessitating hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Her sister, Karin Kidlow, has offered insights into Vonn's recovery, describing her hospital stay as "rough" yet emphasizing the athlete's inherent strength. Vonn herself has publicly shared updates, acknowledging the "slow" progress and the long road ahead.

Lindsey Vonn's sister lifts the lid on Olympic star's 'rough' hospital stay after gruesome leg break - 1

Timeline of Events

  • Olympics Downhill Race: Lindsey Vonn suffered a significant crash during the women's downhill event.

  • Immediate Aftermath: She was airlifted for medical attention. Reports indicated a torn ACL and a complex tibia fracture.

  • Hospitalization and Surgeries: Vonn underwent multiple surgeries while in a hospital in Italy.

  • Public Updates: Vonn shared videos and statements detailing her condition and recovery process. Her sister also provided commentary.

  • Return to the U.S.: Vonn was discharged from the Italian hospital and returned to the United States.

Key Figures

  • Lindsey Vonn: The Olympic alpine skiing star who sustained the injury.

  • Karin Kidlow: Lindsey Vonn's sister, who spoke about Vonn's hospital stay and strength.

  • Mariska Hargitay: An individual who visited Vonn in the hospital.

Injury Details

  • Nature of Injury: Vonn suffered a severe leg break during the women's downhill race.

  • Specifics: Reports cite a complex tibia fracture and a torn ACL. Vonn has a pre-existing titanium implant in her right knee from past injuries.

  • Medical Intervention: Vonn required multiple surgeries following the crash.

Vonn's Recovery and Outlook

Vonn's sister, Karin Kidlow, described the hospital stay as "rough" but highlighted Vonn's resilience, stating she is "super strong." Vonn has publicly acknowledged the challenges, sharing that she is making "slow" progress and has a "long, long way to go." Despite the severity of the injury, Vonn has expressed no regrets about her performance and has even hinted at a future return to skiing.

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Media Coverage

Reports have varied in their focus, from the gruesome nature of the injury and the subsequent hospital stay to Vonn's bravery and her return home. Several outlets have published Vonn's own updates and videos showcasing her recovery exercises.

Lindsey Vonn's sister lifts the lid on Olympic star's 'rough' hospital stay after gruesome leg break - 3

  • The Daily Mail focused on Vonn's sister's account of the "rough" hospital stay and Vonn's determination.

  • Google News compiled updates, including visits from friends like Mariska Hargitay and details about Vonn's return to the U.S. after surgeries.

  • USA Today published a column lauding Vonn's bravery and connection to the Olympic spirit.

  • WN.com (citing Reuters and CBS News) reported on Vonn's discharge from the Italian hospital and her return to the U.S., including her statement about having no regrets.

  • ABC News detailed the complex tibia fracture and Vonn's acknowledgment of needing multiple surgeries, also referencing her 83rd World Cup victory.

  • Sporting News described the crash itself, including Vonn going airborne and being airlifted, and noted her bid for a medal ending in "awful scenes."

  • Stylecaster highlighted Vonn's sister's concern and the impact of the crash.

  • The New York Times (via The Athletic) provided Vonn's own update on having undergone three surgeries and facing more, along with her hope of heading home.

Expert Analysis

While no specific medical experts are quoted in the provided summaries, Vonn's own statements and those of her sister offer insights into her condition and mindset. The media coverage generally frames her injury and recovery through the lens of her athletic career and her perceived "bravery" and "Olympic spirit."

Read More: Canada's Oldham Wins Big Air Gold, Britain's Muir Finishes Fourth Again

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Conclusion

Lindsey Vonn sustained a severe leg injury, including a complex tibia fracture and torn ACL, during an Olympic downhill race. This led to a difficult hospital stay in Italy, involving multiple surgeries. Despite the "rough" experience, Vonn and her sister emphasize her strength and determination. Vonn has been updating the public on her "slow" but ongoing recovery, and she has since returned to the United States. Her past injuries and current condition underscore the significant risks inherent in elite alpine skiing.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn broke her leg badly during a ski race. She also tore a knee ligament.
Q: Did she need surgery?
Yes, she needed many surgeries to fix her leg.
Q: How is she doing now?
She is recovering slowly but surely. She has left the hospital in Italy and is back in the United States.
Q: Does she regret skiing?
No, she said she has no regrets about the race.