How serious is ski GOAT 'shock leg amputation' claims, compound fracture "in extreme pain""... Last dance, "Tragedy" [Milan Olympics]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ski legends, who stood on the Olympic slopes with their indomitable fighting spirit, faced the biggest crisis of their lives. Lindsey Vonn (41, USA) finally returned home for surgery in the worst situation where the possibility of leg amputation was raised.

According to multiple media reports such as "ESPN" and "AP Communications" on the 16th (Korea Standard Time), Bonn will head to the United States for additional surgery after several surgeries in Italy.

It was a dizzying accident. Vaughan lost his balance during the downhill race at the 2026 Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday, losing his balance and rotating several times in the air and being thrown over the snowfield.

At the time, Bon, who bounced at a speed of nearly 130 kilometers, rolled heavily over the snowfield. According to the 'BBC' and others, the audience was shocked and silent by Bon's screams that rang out in the stadium. After receiving first aid for about 13 minutes at the scene, Bonn was eventually rushed through a helicopter.

Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of the American Ski and Snowboard Association, said through 'AP News Agency' that "medical staff are currently helping Bonn recover. We will accompany them to the United States for additional surgery," he said.

In addition, Chairman Goldschmidt explained, "Bon has already completed several operations in Italy to repair complex tibia fractures in his left leg."

The condition is serious. Dr. Bertrand Soneri Kote, a French orthopedic knee specialist, told 'RMC Sports' that "injuries like this can sometimes lead to leg amputations," and warned that "Bone's top priority should be to avoid amputation of his left leg."

On the 13th, Bonn directly announced the news that additional surgery was needed through a video posted on his personal social network service (SNS). Vaughan said, "I've had a hard few days in the hospital, and now I feel like I'm back a little bit," but added, "I have to have another surgery tomorrow. If the surgery is done well, I will be able to return home, but even after returning home, additional surgery may be needed depending on the results of the detailed examination.

Currently, Bon has been hospitalized in a hospital room unable to move at all and is recovering. Vaughan has already completed three surgeries since the accident, and will soon have his fourth.

This challenge was a risky gamble in itself. Bon, who had already had an artificial joint inserted into his right knee, was seriously injured in a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee just nine days before the opening of the Olympics. Nevertheless, Vaughan pushed ahead with his participation, saying, "I regret not even trying and I will not go back home."

The dream collapsed with the worst result, but Bon was determined. Vaughan said on social media, "It wasn't a fairytale ending, but that's life. I dared to dream and work hard to achieve," he said, adding, "I am in extreme pain, but I have no regrets at all. It was a victory in itself to stand there," he said.

"When I entered the stadium, I was not aware of the potential consequences and chose to take risks," he said, adding, "Even the strongest person in the world always has the right to decide."

Co-workers' advocacy also followed. Brignone gave his support, saying, "It's up to you to decide whether to play or not." After visiting Bon twice in the hospital room, Chairman Goldschmidt paid tribute, saying, "Bon is currently in a stable condition and is well withstanding the pain," adding, "Her appearance as a role model to our sport and society has now reached a new level."

Meanwhile, close U.S. national team teammate Bridge Johnson won the gold medal in a chaotic situation, with Bonn's injury suspending the game.

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*This content was translated by AI.