Lindsey Vonn has still been tipped to compete at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps by snowboard icon Shaun White – despite claims she could be months away from walking again.
The 41-year-old clipped a gate and fell just seconds into the race at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina last Sunday, with Vonn airlifted off the mountain and eventually transferred to a hospital in Treviso, where she has already undergone three bouts of surgery.
According to orthopaedic expert knee specialist, Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, the impact of the injury could remain for the rest of her life. “The timeline is quite unpredictable,” he told RMC Sport. “It will be months before she can walk normally again.
“Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk. I think we’re not yet at the stage of returning to high-level skiing. We’re not there yet, but some injuries like hers can end in amputation…”
Despite all the steps Vonn will need to take in the coming months and possibly years, former five‑time Olympian White believes she could still make a return at the 2030 Winter Olympics.
When asked whether that was realistic, he said: “Oh, for sure. She’s impressive Lindsey, you’re a legend. You inspire us all.
“You’re going to go down in history as the greatest and there’s no disputing that. The fact that she came back from previous injuries and got back out on the mountain and then started to win, that’s just got to be the most incredible feeling.
“But I’ve always told athletes, it’s never a straight path to the Olympics. There’s twists and turns and she hit a big hurdle, which was injuring the knees again.”