Lindsey Vonn underwent her fourth operation on Saturday following her serious crash in the downhill at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games just a week ago. The American skier, who has been updating her health status through her social networks, has again used them to announce that the surgery went well but also that she will finally be able to return to the United States. Taking advantage of this great news, Vonn shared a series of reflections on the accident and her future.
The skiing legend, who has competed in five Olympic Games (one gold and two bronzes) and has 83 World Cup victories, has her right knee made of titanium and destroyed the left one - she was already competing with a torn cruciate ligament - in the fall at the Games, which is why many voices suggested that it was the end of Vonn's career, who had already been retired for six years (from 2019 to 2025). However, the American does not close the door on her return. In fact, she is confident that she will ski again.
"The trip was worth it despite the fall. When I close my eyes at night, I have no regrets and the love I feel for skiing is still intact. I still look forward to the moment when I can be back on top of the mountain. And I will," says the eight-time world medallist, two of them gold.
I have no regrets and the love I feel for skiing is still intact
She thanks everyone for their messages of encouragement and says she doesn't want anyone to be sad for her. "I hope instead that it gives them strength to keep fighting, because that's what I'm doing and that's what I'll keep doing. Always," she says with conviction.
He has no regrets about taking risks
Vonn is still mulling over the accident but acknowledges that she took the risks fully aware of them. "I didn't stand in the starting gate not knowing the possible consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk. Because even if you're the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards," she explains.
"I was willing to take risks, work hard and sacrifice for something I knew I was absolutely capable of doing. I will always take the risk of falling while giving it my all, rather than not skiing to my full potential and regretting it. I never want to cross the finish line and say, 'What if...?' And, to be honest, at that moment I was physically stronger than I had been on many occasions in the past. Certainly stronger than when I finished my career in 2019, when I won the bronze medal at the World Championships. And mentally... Mentally I was perfect. Clear, focused, hungry, aggressive, but completely calm," she adds.
Vonn was aware that "being prepared didn't guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That's the gamble you have to take to chase your dreams: you might fall, but if you don't try, you'll never know".