American alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn faced a significant injury while competing in the women's downhill event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Sunday. During a high-speed turn, her arm collided with the gates, leading to a crash where she was airlifted to a hospital. Initial assessments revealed that she had broken her left leg, adding to previous injuries sustained just over a week prior when her anterior cruciate ligament was torn in the same leg.

Medical expert Dr. Tuomo Karila predicts a lengthy rehabilitation process for Vonn, estimating it will take over a year for her to fully recover from her injuries. He notes that recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction typically requires about nine months, and with the additional severity of a broken leg, Vonn will need considerable time to regain her strength and skills.

In a recent Instagram post, Vonn shared an image from her hospital bed, indicating that her leg has undergone surgery three times already, with several more procedures anticipated. This raises concerns not just about her well-being but also about her future career in competitive skiing, as Vonn has been a prominent figure in the sport, known for her remarkable achievements and resilience.