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Lindsey Vonn's quest for another Olympic medal has taken a devastating turn, with medical experts now warning that her primary focus must shift from competition to simply preserving her leg.
The decorated American skier suffered a severe tibia fracture after a frightening crash during the Milan Cortina Olympic women's downhill.
What initially appeared to be a serious but manageable injury has since been described in far more alarming terms by specialists analyzing her condition.
French orthopedic knee specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet told RMC Sport that the immediate objective for Lindsey Vonn is clear - avoid amputation and regain basic mobility.
"The timeline is quite unpredictable. It will be months before she can walk normally again," Sonnery-Cottet told RMC Sport.
He stressed that returning to elite competition is not even part of the conversation at this stage.
"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."
Surgeons warn of long-term consequences
According to Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, images shared by Lindsey Vonn from her hospital bed show the seriousness of the damage.
She currently has an external fixator, a stabilizing device involving metal rods and pins inserted into the bone, attached to her left leg.
"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," he said.
"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."
Another French surgeon, Nicolas Baudrier, echoed those concerns after reviewing her hospital photo.
"These are very serious injuries that required the application of an external fixator," Baudrier said. "There were probably several bone fragments (comminuted fracture). With possible skin, nerve, or muscle damage, increasing the severity of the injury."
The severity of the fracture, combined with the potential for soft-tissue damage, significantly complicates recovery. Comminuted fractures, where the bone shatters into multiple pieces, are notoriously difficult to repair and often require multiple surgeries.
Lindsey Vonn has already undergone three procedures. In an emotional Instagram update, she shared: "I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. 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. 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."
Her father, Alan Kildow, made his feelings about her future clear in comments to the Associated Press.
"There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it," he said.
The crash came after an ambitious comeback attempt. Lindsey Vonn had announced in 2024 that she was returning from retirement with her sights set on the 2026 Olympics.
Despite a complete ACL rupture in her left knee just over a week before the downhill event, an injury unrelated to the crash, she pushed forward in Cortina, where she previously captured 12 World Cup titles.
Now, instead of chasing a fourth Olympic medal to add to her 2010 downhill gold, 2010 super-G bronze, and 2018 downhill bronze, the focus has shifted dramatically.
For one of skiing's greatest champions, the battle ahead is no longer about podium finishes; it's about healing, mobility, and protecting her long-term health.