“Don’t Feel Sad for Me” — Lindsey Vonn Shocks Fans With Post-Surgery Message, Revisiting the Dark Headspace Before Her Crash and Reframing Pain, Survival, and What It Really Means to Keep Going
Lindsey Vonn endured a heartbreaking finish to her Winter Olympics journey in Milano Cortina, Italy, experiencing a brutal crash while competing for another medal.
The 41-year-old skiing sensation was airlifted from the slope and transported to a hospital for medical assistance. The incident occurred after she’d suffered a ruptured ACL last month, but still chose to compete at the Olympics due to her love of skiing and desire to represent her country.
Unfortunately, the injury from her most recent crash required multiple surgeries, as it was later revealed that Vonn suffered a broken left leg. That crash took her out of the Olympics and offered a disappointing chapter in what has been a stellar career.
Amid her challenging recovery, the multi-time medalist continues to receive support from fans and recently shared a heartfelt message she received, along with a powerful response.
On her official Instagram Story, Vonn shared a photo of a card created by a young fan. It featured purple crayon writing, surrounded by stickers and drawings of snowflakes, a heart, a flower, and an animal playing with a ball.
“Lindsey, Don’t give up!” the top of the fan’s message said.
Just below that, Vonn replied with a powerful three-word reply: “I never will.”
Along with her unwavering commitment to persevere amid the recent adversity, she expressed gratitude to all fans who have offered their support and encouragement as she begins her recovery.
“Thank you for all the heartfelt letters and messages. Means so much,” she wrote below the young fan’s additional message, including a praying hands and heart emoji.
Vonn also shared an update on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, noting the difficulty of her journey and adding, “I can do this.”
“And I still have no regrets. I will always believe in what’s possible. Always,” Vonn wrote.
Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist, having captured gold and bronze in 2010 at Vancouver, followed by another bronze in 2018 at PyeongChang.
Her first gold and second bronze both came while competing in the women’s downhill skiing event at those Olympic Games, which unfortunately she couldn’t finish at Milano Cortina.
Many fans recognize her bravery in competing at the recent Winter Olympics despite last month’s injury, as she sought to earn another medal for the United States.
Her bid to add a fourth medal to that collection may have ended disappointingly, but it appears Vonn is locked in on recovery and keeping a positive mindset along the way.
