'At risk of leg amputation,' ski goddess appears before the public for the first time in three months, leaning on crutches while wearing high heels and a tight red dress

*This content was translated by AI.

'Ski legend' Lindsey Vonn (42) appeared before the public for the first time in three months following a horrific leg fracture.

'The Sun' in the UK reported on the 3rd (local time) that Vonn attended Jeff Bezos' Met Gala pre-party in high heels, despite still requiring crutches.

'The party was hosted by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. Vonn looked flawless in a form-fitting red dress and high heels, but had to rely on crutches to walk.

'Vonn will attempt to walk without crutches for the first time since the accident at the main Met Gala event on the 4th. In an interview with CNN in the United States, she stated, "I was invited by designer Tom Brown. My current biggest goal and hope is to climb the stairs without crutches."

'On February 9, Vonn was competing in the alpine skiing downhill event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics at the Topane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She fell just 13 seconds after the start and was urgently airlifted by helicopter. She suffered a severe compound fracture of her left leg. Although she had already been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) just before the competition, the tragedy occurred because she forced her way into the race.

'After retiring in 2019, Vonn returned to the slopes with the goal of becoming the oldest Olympic medalist in history. However, just two weeks before the opening of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, she suffered the misfortune of tearing her ACL. She wore a leg brace and forced her way into the Olympics, but collapsed in a collision just 13 seconds into the race.

'The accident resulted in a compound leg fracture and an ankle fracture, requiring multiple surgeries. The surgical process was also gruesome. Immediately after her first surgery, Vonn developed compartment syndrome, where pressure built up inside her muscles due to bleeding, putting her at risk of leg amputation. Doctors fought against time to prevent the worst-case scenario, and she underwent a total of eight major surgeries while shuttling between Italy and the United States.

'It remains uncertain whether she will extend her athletic career. Vonn said, "Right now, I am in survival mode, just trying to get through this crisis. I do not want to make emotional or hasty decisions. I will objectively evaluate the situation over time." She declined to comment on her retirement.

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*This content was translated by AI.