Lindsey Vonn recently shared images of herself paddleboarding in France, demonstrating significant progress in her recovery just six months after a severe leg injury sustained during the Winter Olympics. Despite admitting her ankle remains fractured following the incident in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Vonn posted photos on Instagram from her vacation in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
The 41-year-old Olympian required eight surgeries after a serious crash in the women's downhill race on February 8. The injury occurred as Vonn was already competing with a torn left ACL, sustained in a prior incident before the Milan-Cortina Games. The severity of the fall resulted in a shattered left leg, which at one point was close to requiring amputation.
Vonn described her recovery as a slow process, noting in July that she had only recently been able to engage in meaningful gym activity and still found walking challenging. "It's been a very slow process," she told People.com. "It's been five months since I've been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. And walking is actually still really hard for me."
In recent months, Vonn has been linked romantically to French racer Matthieu Bailet. The pair were reportedly spending time together in New York City, attending Broadway shows and shopping. They were also photographed together at the Monaco Grand Prix in June, an event that appeared to confirm their relationship.
Vonn has been nominated to the U.S. Alpine ski team for the upcoming season, signaling a potential return to the sport. While this nomination is a preliminary step based on past performance, Vonn has indicated her intention to compete again as she continues her rehabilitation. Athletes who accept the nomination and meet team requirements will be officially announced in October, ahead of the World Cup season opener in Austria.
