Lindsey Vonn still having surgery, she appeals on social: "Don’t be sad"

Skiing star Lindsey Vonn has updated her fans from the hospital in Treviso after yet another difficult day she has had to endure following the bad fall she suffered in the downhill at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Vonn underwent surgery for the fourth time on Saturday, and will leave for the United States shortly.

“The’surgery went well! Fortunately, I will finally be able to return to the United States. I have read many messages and comments from people saying they are sad about what happened to me. Please do not be sad. I wholeheartedly welcome empathy, love and support, but please not sadness or pity. Instead, I hope this gives you the strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and what I will continue to do. Always”.

“When I think back to my fall… I was not at the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that gate took the same risk. Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards” explained the star athlete.

“I was willing to risk, push and sacrifice for something that I knew I was absolutely capable of doing. I will always take the risk of falling giving it my all, rather than not skiing to my potential and having regrets – continued Vonn. I never want to cross the finish line and say, ‘What if…?’. And to be honest, I was physically stronger at that moment than I have often been in the past. Definitely stronger than when I ended my career in 2019 with a bronze at Worlds. And mentally… Mentally I was perfect. Clear-headed, focused, hungry, aggressive and yet completely calm… just as I had been training for the past few months when I stood on the podium in every downhill this season”.

“It was all a test to prepare me for the Olympics. Mentally I was more ready than I have ever been. But just because I was ready, that did not guarantee me anything. Nothing in life is guaranteed. That&#8217s the gamble of chasing your dreams: you might fall, but if you don&#8217t try, you will never know. So please don&#8217t feel sad. The race is worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I have no regrets and the’love I have for skiing remains. I can&#8217t wait for the time when I can stand on top of the mountain again. And I will do it”.