Skiing icon Lindsey Vohn is preparing to finally return home to the United States, one week after her horrific crash during the women's downhill event at the Winter Olympics. The incident sparked serious fears that the 41-year-old American athlete might lose her left leg following the devastating impact.
Multiple Surgeries and Complex Recovery
Vohn underwent her fourth surgical procedure on Saturday to address the complex tibia fracture in her broken leg. This latest operation followed her catastrophic crash on February 8 in Cortina, Italy, where she had been attempting to compete despite having a torn ACL in her left leg.
The skiing legend received some positive developments on Sunday when it was confirmed she would be leaving Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso to begin her journey back to American soil. Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of the US Ski and Snowboard Association, revealed that the team's medical staff has been coordinating Vohn's recovery process since the accident, which necessitated her being airlifted from the mountain.
Medical Coordination and Further Treatment
Medical personnel are reportedly attempting to accompany the former Olympic champion during her return trip, where she is expected to undergo additional surgical procedures. 'We're working through all of that at the moment,' Goldschmidt told the Associated Press. 'We've got a great team around helping her and she'll go back to the US for further surgeries.'
The crash occurred just thirteen seconds into Vohn's downhill run when her right arm clipped a gate, sending her tumbling head-over-heels down the slope. Witnesses reported hearing her screams as medical personnel surrounded her before she was secured to a gurney and transported by helicopter.
The Moment of Impact
'The impact, the silence, everyone was just in shock. And you could tell it was a really nasty injury,' said Goldschmidt, who was present at the event. 'There's a lot of danger in doing all sorts of Alpine sports but it gives more of an appreciation for how superhuman these athletes are.'
Goldschmidt elaborated on the inherent risks of competitive skiing, noting that 'danger sometimes brings fans in and is pretty captivating. We obviously hope we won't have injuries like that but it is unfortunately part and parcel of our sports.'
Vohn's Defiant Response
Despite the severity of her injuries, Vohn has insisted she harbors no regrets about competing at the Winter Games, even with the pre-existing ACL tear in her left leg. She maintains that the previous injury had no influence on what transpired during her run and has remarkably vowed to ski again in the future.
While likely referring to recreational skiing rather than elite competition, Vohn declared: 'Please, don't feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don't have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains.'
Looking Forward with Determination
The athlete shared that her fourth surgery had been successful, paving the way for her return to the United States. She emphasized that she doesn't want people pitying her after suffering such a traumatic leg break.
'I have been reading a lot of messages and comments saying that what has happened to me makes them sad. Please, don't be sad,' Vohn stated. 'Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy.'
She continued with characteristic resilience: 'I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.'
Understanding the Risks
Vohn reflected on her conscious decision to compete despite the dangers, explaining: 'When I think back on my crash, I didn't stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk.'
She added a philosophical perspective on alpine sports: 'Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards.'
Current Condition and Family Concerns
Goldschmidt, who has visited Vohn twice in hospital, reported that 'She's not in pain. She's in a stable condition.' She praised Vohn's approach to her run, noting 'She took an aggressive line and was all in and it was inches off what could have ended up a very different way.'
Despite Vohn's positive outlook, her father Alan Kildow has expressed serious concerns about her continuing career. Following the crash, he made his position clear: 'She's 41 years old and this is the end of her career. There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vohn, as long as I have anything to say about it.'
Kildow acknowledged his daughter's strength, stating: 'She's a very strong individual. She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she's able to handle it. Better than I expected. She's a very, very strong person. And so I think she's handling it real well.'
Vohn has indicated she requires at least two more surgeries but remains hopeful about her eventual recovery and return to the mountains she loves.
