Post by : Bianca
Haleem
American skiing star Lindsey Vonn revealed she nearly lost her left leg after a terrifying crash during the women’s downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The 41-year-old skier clipped a gate just 13 seconds into her run on February 8 and went off course. Initially, she reported a complex tibia fracture, but later revealed her injuries were far more severe. The crash caused compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition where high pressure inside a muscle reduces blood flow and can cause permanent damage.
Vonn credited orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett, who performed a life-saving fasciotomy to relieve the pressure in her leg. “He filleted it open and let it breathe, and he saved me,” she said. Hackett was in Cortina to support Vonn after she tore her ACL before the Olympics.
In addition to the left leg injury, Vonn also broke her right ankle in the crash. She underwent multiple surgeries over a week-long stay in a Treviso, Italy hospital and required a blood transfusion to stabilize her condition. She described the injuries as “the most extreme and painful” of her life.
Currently, Vonn is immobile and using a wheelchair, focusing on rehab. She expects it will take about a year for her left leg to fully heal, after which doctors will repair the torn ACL.
Despite the risks, Vonn has no regrets about returning from her six-year retirement and competing in the Olympics. “I wish it had ended differently, but I’d rather go down swinging than not try at all,” she said. She likened her injuries to “one blip on the radar” and is determined to fight through recovery.
Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, has suggested retirement, but Lindsey remains focused on rehab and staying strong. “Life is life and we have to take the punches that come… I’ll just keep getting back up,” she said.
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