Lindsey Vonn, the renowned alpine skier, has faced a serious setback after sustaining a significant injury that could end her skiing career. According to her father, Alan Kildow, she may never return to the slopes. Kildow provided his perspective in an interview with the Associated Press, indicating that Vonn’s age, at 41, and the severity of her condition are critical factors in her potential retirement from the sport.

Currently, Vonn is recuperating in a hospital in Treviso, where she underwent surgery for a broken left leg. While her father remains solemn about her competitive future, he did provide assurance regarding her current health status, stating that she is stable and receiving top-notch medical care from the U.S. Ski Team’s doctors. This speaks to the level of support and expertise available to her during this challenging time.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Kildow emphasized Vonn’s resilience and strength, illustrating her ability to cope with the unfortunate circumstances. He refrained from providing details about her injuries but expressed confidence in her fortitude, indicating a hopeful yet realistic outlook regarding her next steps after surgery. Vonn’s decision to compete with a previously injured knee has raised discussions about the risks athletes take in high-stakes competitions, underlining the physically demanding nature of alpine skiing.