Lindsey Vonn’s sister explains ‘rough’ week for Winter Olympics star in hospital after awful skiing crash
Lindsey Vonn has arrived back in the United States following a harrowing week of medical treatment in Italy after her devastating crash at the Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old skiing legend suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women’s downhill event and required four separate surgical procedures to address the severe damage to her leg.
Vonn was discharged from the Italian hospital on Sunday after her final operation took place the previous day.
The American confirmed her return home on Monday evening via social media, expressing gratitude to the European medical teams who cared for her whilst acknowledging she remains unable to stand more than a week after the accident.
Her younger sister Karin Kildow, 37, has spoken about the difficult period the family has endured since the accident.
“It’s been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot,” Kildow told TMZ Sports.
“Just one day at a time. She’s super strong, but there’s a lot of surgeries and things. We’re working on getting her back to the U.S.”
Lindsey Vonn has arrived back in the United States following a harrowing week of medical treatment in Italy after her devastating crash at the Winter Olympics
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REUTERS
Medical experts have cautioned that injuries of this severity can sometimes necessitate amputation, highlighting the precarious nature of Vonn’s condition.
When asked about online criticism directed at her sister, Kildow dismissed the negativity.
“You know what? Everyone’s gonna have their thing to say, I think… but she’s strong and she did it,” she said.
Lindsey Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow was in the stands as her sibling crashed at the Winter Olympics | GETTY
Vonn posted an emotional message upon her arrival home, writing: “[I] haven’t stood on my feet in over a week been in a hospital bed immobile since my race.
“And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing… huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me.”
Earlier on Monday, she shared footage from her hospital stay showing her rehabilitation exercises, having her hair washed, and being fed meals as she worked towards recovery.
Accompanying the video, Vonn wrote: “Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself.
“I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most.”
The accident occurred last Sunday when Vonn lost control during the opening traverse, having cut the racing line too tightly before being thrown into the air.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash, with the skier sustaining a broken leg | GETTY
She was heard screaming in pain as medical personnel rushed to her aid before being airlifted from the course by helicopter.
Some critics have questioned her decision to race after tearing her ACL in her left knee during the days preceding the event, though Vonn maintains this injury played no part in the crash.
In a defiant statement last week, she declared: “Please, don’t feel sad. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains.
“I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
