Five weeks after a devastating crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics that nearly resulted in amputation of her left leg, four-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn has advanced to riding a stationary bike during rehabilitation.
The 41-year-old skier suffered a complex tibia fracture and compartment syndrome after clipping a gate 13 seconds into her Feb. 8 downhill run. She underwent five surgeries-four in Italy and one upon returning to the U.S.-and was hospitalized for nearly two weeks.
Vonn, who returned home earlier this month, shared a video Friday showing her first biking session: "Guys... I'm biking!! Starting with 5 minutes... making progress one day at a time."
She credited Team USA’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Tom Hackett, with saving her leg through an emergency fasciotomy to treat life-threatening compartment syndrome.
Vonn had returned from retirement with a partially rebuilt right knee and was considered a top contender for gold-her second in downhill, having won in 2010. She finished with 84 World Cup victories, including two this season.
In a March reflection, she said she had no regrets despite falling short of the title, calling skiing her lifelong passion and emphasizing the joy found in the journey, not just the outcome.