Legendary US athlete Lindsey Vonn has shared a sickening image of her new 'bionic' leg after her latest surgery in hospital.
The American alpine ski racer was a surprise inclusion at the Winter Olympics, given that it followed her initial retirement between 2019 and 2024. But then the 41-year-old vowed to reclaim her title as the most decorated female alpine skier in history.
Despite suffering an ACL injury in Switzerland less than two weeks before the Olympics began, Vonn was still determined to compete, suggesting she has no regrets about racing with the ACL tear. She also made it clear that her previous issues played no part in her recent crash.
Her Olympic return wasn't as successful as she had hoped, as she struck a gate just 13 seconds into her downhill run. The athlete later revealed that she'd suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.
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Earlier today (20 February), she posted an update on when she might finally be able to leave hospital and return home.
She wrote: "Just a quick update… my last surgery went well. It took a little over 6 hours. I have been recovering from the surgery but pain has been hard to manage. Making slow progress but I hope I can be out of the hospital soon. "Thank you all for the support."
Vonn also posted a rather graphic x-ray image with the caption: "I’m bionic for real now."
It had been suggested by experts that the Olympian might well need to have her leg amputated, such was the severity of the break after the crash, but the x-ray image seems to imply that Vonn will be making do with a variety of metal plates and screws to keep her leg locked in place.
Sharing their analysis with RMC Sport, orthopedic expert knee specialist Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottettold said it could be months until Vonn is able to walk independently again.
"Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk. I think we're not yet at the stage of returning to high-level skiing. We're not there yet, but some injuries like hers can end in amputation.
"The latest images posted on her Instagram account show that, even though the surgeries were successful, the 'external fixator' - that is, the enormous pin they put in her left leg - proves that they haven't been able to fully repair her fracture.
"It's only temporary for now. It's important to understand that her injury is extremely serious and will cause her problems for at least months, and could even leave her with lifelong consequences."
In another update earlier this week, Vonn had stressed that she still hadn't been able to walk since the accident, but hopefully, with a return home now firmly in her sights, the superstar skier will be back on her feet sooner rather than later after her devastating crash.
Topics: Winter Olympics
James Moorhouse