Skiing champion Lindsey Vonn has returned to the United States after suffering a devastating crash during the Milan Cortina Olympics, which necessitated several surgeries in Italy. She announced her homecoming on social media, expressing relief at being back on American soil.
The 41-year-old fractured her left leg just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill race, resulting in a massive crash that required her to be airlifted. She underwent four surgical procedures in Italy and may face further operations.
Vonn, who came out of retirement in 2024 after a knee replacement, crashed in training just before the Games, completely tearing her ACL. Despite this, she chose to compete. Her father has stated that her professional skiing career is now almost certainly over.
While facing a long recovery, Vonn's return to the U.S. marks a significant milestone. The three-time Olympic medalist has a record 12 World Cup wins at Cortina d'Ampezzo, the site of this year's Games.