Lindsey Vonn will have surgery next week in Colorado after a crash at the World Championships that left her with two torn ligaments in her right knee and breaking a bone in her lower leg. This will begin the process of Vonn attempting to make a comeback for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, which she plans on competing in.
"I am grateful to my fans for the outpouring of support, which has really helped me stay positive. I can assure you that I will work as hard as humanly possible to be ready to represent my country next year in Sochi," Vonn said in a released statement.
Vonn was released from the hospital she was originally taken to after the crash late on Tuesday and returned to her team's hotel. Due to the high amount of media coverage, neither Vonn nor the rest of the U.S. Ski Team would say when she's leaving Austria.
Team doctor William Sterett told The Associated Press Wednesday that Vonn is doing well and is in good spirits. He described the broken bone as a lateral tibial plateau fracture. It would not need surgery to repair, unlike the ligaments in her knee. Sterett would not set a time table for Vonn's return, but doctors believe she could be out at least eight months.
"She's intently focusing on the next step and the next step now is getting from point A to point B, with point B being next season. She is determined and upbeat," Sterett said.
The accident occurred after Vonn landed a jump in the opening super-G race at the championships. As she hit the ground, her right leg gave way and she smashed through a gate. Vonn was the airlifted to the hospital.
Vonn is a four-time champion of the sport. There is a possibility she will have to have more operations as she works on recovery. Vonn thanked the medical staff that cared for her after the crash, saying she plans on beginning recovery as soon as she possibly can.
