Lindsey Vonn got candid about the tough life lessons she had learned in the wake of her horrific accident on the Italian slopes in February.
The alpine skier crashed during the women’s downhill final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, causing a catastrophic leg injury that almost led to amputation.
Lindsey’s life lesson
Lindsey opened up about her healing journey with HELLO! at the Kering Foundation’s Fifth Annual Caring for Women Dinner in New York City on Thursday night, where she wore a showstopping red gown with an asymmetrical neckline
When asked about the most important lesson she learned from her healing journey, the blonde beauty replied: “Just never take anything for granted. You know, life is short, and you have to live it, but you also have to appreciate every single moment you have.”
© Getty Images for Kering Foundati“You never know how things can change, and everything can change in the blink of an eye, literally,” she continued. “So be grateful, enjoy life…those are my lessons, not just from this injury – from my whole life.”
Lindsey made a major comeback to skiing in 2024 after almost six years in retirement, but her Olympic crash set her back due to the complex tibia fracture she sustained, as well as an ACL tear that she suffered a week prior.
The 41-year-old is hoping to undergo surgery on her ACL in November, and will decide on her future in the sport after her recovery.
The road to recovery
Lindsey shared an update on her recovery in February, after spending two weeks in the hospital and undergoing multiple surgeries on her shattered tibia.
© Getty Images“Today was a hard day…my physical battle began the second I got hurt, but the mental battle started today,” she wrote on Instagram. “It hit me like a ton of bricks.”
“It’s a battle I’m used to because I’ve done it so many times. I have always learned from every injury. Each one has made me a better and stronger person in different ways…but the battle of the mind can be dark and hard and unrelenting,” she continued.
© Instagram“I do know hard days are coming, but I will find a way back to the top of the mountain of life.”
“It’s been really hard, and this is definitely not the way I wanted to end my Olympics, but it’s been really inspiring to watch my teammates,” the Olympic gold medalist said in a video after leaving the hospital.
© Getty Images“No regrets, and I just appreciate all the love and support. It’s been really amazing, overwhelming to an extent. I wish it had ended differently, really, but I’d rather go down swinging than not try at all,” she added. “And I think what I was able to achieve was more than anyone expected to begin with.”
Lindsey is yet to share whether she plans to get back on the slopes in the future. She is one of the most decorated and celebrated ski racers in history, having won an Olympic gold, two bronze medals, and nabbed 84 World Cup victories, the second-most of any female skier ever.
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