“A Plate and 19 Screws in My Arm..”: From Once Not Finishing Most of Her Races to Becoming a Legend, Lindsey Vonn Once Broke Her Silence on the Grueling Details of Her Journey

Lindsey Vonn has achieved an exceptional level of success and is highly regarded in the skiing world. However, there was once a time when she didn’t run her races. During the 2010 Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada, Vonn had a DNF (Did Not Finish) moment in the slalom event. Unfortunately, she straddled a gate. In a similar vein, during the 2017 World Championships that took place in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Vonn encountered a setback in the Super G event. This time, she lost her ski pole and her balance.

The road that Vonn traversed leading to her achievements wasn’t devoid of struggles. In fact, it proved to be a multifaceted trial encompassing immense pain, fear, doubt, and profound isolation as she set out to materialize her aspirations. One obstacle overshadowed them all: coping with her relentless injuries.

Bouncing back from career-threatening injuries

In an interview with Inc. Magazine on April 13, 2023, she opened up about numerous injuries throughout her skiing career, which posed a threat to her continued success. Among these injuries, the most notable incidents occurred at the 2013 World Championships.

During this event, Vonn endured a crash that resulted in torn ACL and MCL ligaments and a fractured tibial plateau in her right knee. By highlighting the adversity she faced, she expressed, “I can’t tell you how many times people told me that I wouldn’t come back. I had two ACL surgeries, MCL meniscus. I have a plate and 19 screws in my arm.”

Additionally, Vonn encountered another mishap during the World Cup Super G in Austria in 2016, which led to a broken right arm and nerve damage. Despite the immense challenges brought upon by these setbacks, Vonn’s determination remained steadfast as she stated, “People said it was impossible. You have to believe in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself, who else is going to?”

With an unyielding determination, Vonn consistently aimed higher. Specifically labeling skiing as both her sanctuary and a means of therapeutic release, it served as a profound method in helping her manage the depths of her depression. Serving as a constant wellspring of inspiration, Linda Krohn, Lindsey’s mother, was also instrumental in shaping the trajectory of her life.

Lindsey’s inspiration and empowering legacy

Despite being left with partial paralysis and mobility constraints following childbirth due to a stroke, Linda carved out paths brimming with success both as an attorney and raising five children.

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During Lindsey’s arduous training sessions and rigorous travels, her mother proved to be a dependable companion. In Lindsey’s moments of despair, be it owing to injuries, impediments, or sharp criticism, it was Linda who supported and inspired her the most.

In addition, Lindsey Vonn went on to carry on her mother’s inspiration and establish the Lindsey Vonn Foundation as a means to contribute to the community. This foundation focuses on empowering young girls through the provision of scholarships, education, and opportunities in athletics. Vonn articulated her intention to assist girls in discovering their confidence and voice, enabling them to pursue their passions.

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