"I removed all these horrific metal plates from my body": Ski queen who underwent 9 surgeries reveals chilling metal fragments, leaving fans in shock

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Ski queen Lindsey Vonn (42) shared an update on her condition after completing her ninth surgery following a horrific collision at the Olympics. Despite pessimistic predictions that her career is over, she continues to burn with intense determination to make a comeback to active competition.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 12th (Korean time) that "Vonn shared photos with fans after undergoing a ninth surgery to remove metal plates and screws from her leg."

Before the surgery, Vonn stated via her social media (SNS), "I am removing all the metal plates and screws previously placed in my knee to transplant a new anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)." After completing the procedure, she posted photos of a bag filled with the removed screws and plates in a lump, as well as her right leg wrapped in bandages, writing, "I got all these damn things out of my leg."

Fans around the world who saw the post are pouring out enthusiastic messages of support, saying, "You are a true champion" and "Respect for your indomitable will."

Vonn's injury nightmare began at the World Cup held just before the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics in February. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a downhill race, but Vonn pushed through to compete in the Olympics. However, she suffered a major collision accident just 14 seconds after starting her main run and was urgently transported by helicopter. The horrific scene of her crashing hard into the fence and collapsing on the snowfield, expressing pain, shocked ski fans worldwide.

The injuries were severe. She suffered compound fractures of the tibia and fibula, as well as a broken right ankle. Medical staff once feared amputation of her leg. Vonn underwent four surgeries immediately after the injury, bringing her total to nine operations.

Vonn is considered one of the greatest athletes in alpine skiing history. She set the remarkable record of 82 career wins in the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup and has won a total of three Olympic medals, including the downhill gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Behind her brilliant career lay harsh trials. Throughout her playing days, she lived with torn knee ligaments and various fractures, earning the nickname "the icon of injury and rehabilitation."

Despite the horrific accident and repeated surgeries, Vonn has not given up on returning to active competition. At the considerable age of 42, she is strengthening her firm resolve to return to the snowfields, even enduring ligament transplant surgery.

"The Sun" also noted the queen's fighting spirit, stating that "Vonn, who has undergone five additional surgeries, still does not rule out the possibility of a skiing comeback."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original