Lindsey Vonn has told her friends that she has no space for their sympathy or pity as she fights desperately to save her Winter Olympics dream.
The American skiing great, 41, was airlifted to hospital after crashing in Switzerland on Friday, appearing to hurt her left knee.
She hasn’t revealed what the damage is but on social media has remained defiant that, after launching a dramatic skiing comeback last year, her story won’t end her.
That attitude has continued behind-closed-doors, with Vonn determined to compete in the Games that start next Friday in Italy – her first event is scheduled for next Sunday.
‘Lindsey’s telling everyone “stay strong, don’t be a Debbie Downer” about her crash,’ a friend was quoted as saying by The Post.
‘She needs everyone to give her positive energy to get through this — that’s the number-one message to her friends and family.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital with an injury that could threaten her Winter Olympics
Vonn lost control after landing a jump in Crans-Montana, injuring her left knee
Vonn has reportedly been telling friends that the best way to support her is through optimism
‘Lindsey wants us to be strong, she said “don’t write ‘I’m sorry”, give me good energy, please be positive.
‘She’s leading the charge: Everyone has to get on board with helping her find the will to get her through.’
The friend was also quoted as saying that if Vonn needs any further treatment on her knee, she’ll delay it until after the Games have finished.
Vonn dramatically crashed Friday in a downhill in Crans-Montana and ended up in the safety nets.
After around five minutes of medical attention she made it to the bottom of the course, occasionally stopping to hold her left knee, before she was airlifted away for more treatment.
She then missed the women’s World Cup Super G in Switzerland on Saturday but told her fans she’s doing everything possible to be ready for next week.
Vonn posted on social media: ‘Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today… wishing all my teammates a great race.
‘Thank you for all of the love and support I have received. Means the world to me. Doing my best right now….’
Vonn, 41, is apparently prepared to delay any big medical treatment until after the Games
And her personal head coach, Chris Knight, told the Associated Press in a text message: ‘No she is not racing today but preparing for Cortina as usual.’
Vonn had made a stunning comeback last season at age 40 after nearly six years away from ski racing.
Skiing with a partial titanium implant in her right knee, she has been the circuit’s leading downhiller this season with two victories and three other podium finishes in the five races.