Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn shared an update on her latest surgery, and one of her biggest fans — who also happens to be one of her most famous — chimed in with an inspiring one-word response.
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After suffering a catastrophic leg injury while competing in the women’s downhill race on February 8, the 41-year-old has since undergone three surgeries to repair the damage done. She suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg when she crashed, effectively ending her gold medal aspirations at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
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On February 11, Vonn gave a health update — and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit icon Mariska Hargitay added a message of support in response.
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful,” Vonn wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of herself in a hospital bed. “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.”
Hargitay — who has proven to be one of Vonn’s biggest fans over the years — commented on Vonn’s post, applauding the skier with a simple, one-word response.
“Superhero,” Hargitay wrote.
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Even in her post-op state, Vonn made sure to give her Olympic teammates the shoutout they deserve.
“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,” Vonn added.
Hargitay was not the only person to offer encouraging words. Vonn’s comments were filled with fans and friends alike wishing her a speedy recovery.
All about Lindsey Vonn’s “complex tibia fracture”
On February 8, Vonn’s arm became caught up with a flag just seconds into her downhill run at the Winter Olympics. She lost control and crashed, and has since revealed that she suffered a complex tibia fracture.
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A fracture of the tibia (the shinbone) is commonly known as a broken leg.
“Fractures are labeled ‘complex’ when the bone breaks into bits and pieces, when the soft tissue surrounding the bone is severely damaged, or when the patient has other illnesses or injuries that complicate treatment and healing,” according to an explanation of the condition attributed to Natalie Casemyr, MD, assistant professor of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation at Yale Medicine, on the practice’s website.