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Livigno: American skier Lindsey Vonn has revealed the emotional battle she’s been fighting while also recovering from multiple surgeries following a crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vonn took to social media on Wednesday (local time) to announce that her dog Leo had died a day after her crash on the Olympic course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and to inform her followers that she was going in for more surgery on her broken leg.
American skier Lindsey Vonn with her dog Leo.Credit: Instagram
Vonn broke her leg during a horrible crash at Milano Cortina in the women’s downhill skiing, nine days after rupturing her ACL. She was airlifted from the course and underwent surgery in Italy, before being flown back to the US.
However, the 41-year-old former Olympic champion revealed the full extent of her injuries, and heartbreak, in Wednesday’s post.
“This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life. I still have not come to terms that he is gone,” Vonn said.
“The day I crashed, so did Leo. He had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer [he survived lymphoma a year and a half ago] but now his heart was failing him. He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind.
“As I layed [sic] in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy.”
Vonn arrived back in the US on Tuesday with her leg “still in pieces”. She revealed her injury was more serious than just a broken leg, and she would provide a full update soon.
But the three-time Olympic medallist first informed her followers about her dog – who she said got her through 2018 when she was forced to miss the Olympics after an ACL rupture.
“I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe it. My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most. He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics.
“He lifted my up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddled me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years.
“It’s going to be a while before I emotionally process things but I know he will always be with me… Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes.”
The Winter Olympic Games is broadcast on the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
