American skier Lindsey Vonn has had surgery on a left-leg fracture after suffering heartbreak in what could be her final Olympic event as she crashed in the women's downhill competition in Cortina.
The 41-year-old was competing just nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate with her ski pole on a first jump left Vonn off balance, denying a fairytale ending to a remarkable story.
Vonn was airlifted off the piste to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, around 130km from Olimpia delle Tofane in the Dolomites, following lengthy treatment. The hospital issued a statement which said she had orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture she sustained in her left leg - the same leg with the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Earlier, a statement from the United States ski team said Vonn had sustained an injury but was in a stable condition. The two-time world champion had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic course prior to Sunday's crash.
Compatriot Breezy Johnson was in tears as she added Olympic gold to the world title she won last year after clocking a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds. The 30-year-old watched on the big screen at the finish line with her head in her hands when her team-mate crashed, having completed her run sixth, while Vonn was 13th to go.
Another American skier, Isabella Wright, who was also on the course, expressed her hope for Vonn to conquer the challenges despite her recent ACL injury. If anyone can, Lindsey can. We're going to support her the best we can, she stated, highlighting the bond of camaraderie in the racing community.
Vonn's participation posed a significant risk after her knee injury in Switzerland during the last World Cup race before the Games, yet she was determined to compete.
Stunned spectators applauded toward the helicopter as it carried her away from the piste which has brought her significant success, with 12 of her 84 World Cup victories occurring here. Vonn’s Olympic journey is now in serious jeopardy, as she may have to forgo the super-G and team events.
Despite the setback, Vonn's fierce spirit is echoed by her teammates, uplifting aspirations and camaraderie while casting a pall over the spirit of competition following the accident. As they navigate their Olympic quest, the team and fans alike share heartfelt sentiments for Vonn, who has entered the history books as an enduring figure in the sport of skiing.
The 41-year-old was competing just nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate with her ski pole on a first jump left Vonn off balance, denying a fairytale ending to a remarkable story.
Vonn was airlifted off the piste to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, around 130km from Olimpia delle Tofane in the Dolomites, following lengthy treatment. The hospital issued a statement which said she had orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture she sustained in her left leg - the same leg with the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Earlier, a statement from the United States ski team said Vonn had sustained an injury but was in a stable condition. The two-time world champion had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic course prior to Sunday's crash.
Compatriot Breezy Johnson was in tears as she added Olympic gold to the world title she won last year after clocking a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds. The 30-year-old watched on the big screen at the finish line with her head in her hands when her team-mate crashed, having completed her run sixth, while Vonn was 13th to go.
Another American skier, Isabella Wright, who was also on the course, expressed her hope for Vonn to conquer the challenges despite her recent ACL injury. If anyone can, Lindsey can. We're going to support her the best we can, she stated, highlighting the bond of camaraderie in the racing community.
Vonn's participation posed a significant risk after her knee injury in Switzerland during the last World Cup race before the Games, yet she was determined to compete.
Stunned spectators applauded toward the helicopter as it carried her away from the piste which has brought her significant success, with 12 of her 84 World Cup victories occurring here. Vonn’s Olympic journey is now in serious jeopardy, as she may have to forgo the super-G and team events.
Despite the setback, Vonn's fierce spirit is echoed by her teammates, uplifting aspirations and camaraderie while casting a pall over the spirit of competition following the accident. As they navigate their Olympic quest, the team and fans alike share heartfelt sentiments for Vonn, who has entered the history books as an enduring figure in the sport of skiing.
