Lindsey Vonn has shared an update with fans after undergoing a third surgery on a fractured tibia, following a freak accident at the Winter Olympics on Sunday. The Team USA skier clipped a gate 13 seconds into her run in the women’s downhill, losing her balance and crashing into the slope.

After receiving assistance on the slope for a lengthy period, the 41-year-old was airlifted to a nearby hospital in Trevino for further treatment. There, it was revealed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to repair her leg. In a fresh update posted from her hospital bed on Wednesday evening, Vonn has explained that she had gone under the knife for the third time thus far.

Alongside a photo carousel of her giving a thumbs up, smiling alongside a nurse, and an abundance of flowers, she wrote: “I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.

“I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok. Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world. Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”

It comes as Vonn recently learned that she could be back on the piste within a year, should her recovery run smoothly. Speaking to the I, Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna, who is an orthopaedic surgeon at the Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre, explained: “From a displaced tibia fracture, it is possible to return to the ski slopes in eight to 11 months, as [Federica] Brignone has shown, if there are no complications.”

However, given Vonn has a track record of injuries to the same leg, including a partial knee implant, it could ultimately affect her recovery time. Arturo Guarino, who is a former doctor for Inter Milan, said: “It will also be necessary to check whether the prosthesis suffered any consequences from the fall in Cortina. If it did, then the implant will also require intervention, and recovery time could be extended.”

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