The Impact Of Injury And Loss On Lindsey Vonn's Recovery

We are all fairly aware of how Lindsey Vonn had an injury years ago, then made a huge comeback. Made the Olympic team this year, and then wound up with a major injury again this year on her first run.

SHOULD SHE HAVE BEEN SKIING AT THIS LEVEL FOR THESE OLYMPIC GAMES

I have heard people state that she shouldn't have been competing, because all she did was take a spot from someone else. On the other hand, she had to make the team, just like everyone else, so she did win her spot fair and square.

The injury was very severe and she said that her mental health did take a hit from this, understandable. And to make things even worse, she lost her dog Leo around the same time. But, her other dog Chance was there to give her all sorts of snuggles and kisses when she got home after a few surgeries in Italy.

HER POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA SHOWS MENTAL HEALING POWER OF PETS

Vonn took time to post that on Instagram, and she happens to have the same breed of dog that I do. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are the happiest velcro dogs ever! If you have ever had a cavalier, or have one now, you know how these dogs really are the velcro-ist of all the velcro dogs. They will follow you everywhere! And are always SUPER HAPPY to see you when you are gone. Whether it be for five minutes or a week. Reaction is the same.

From USA Today:

Since then, Vonn has had days where she's down on herself, as she focuses on the next chapter: rehab and recovery. Adding to the whirlwind of emotions for Vonn: she lost her dog, Leo, the day after the crash.

So, when she was able to get home and hold her other dog, Chance, she became emotional. Vonn shared the moment on social media.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by L I N D S E Y • V O N N (@lindseyvonn)

There is just something about a puppy greeting you that helps with your mental health, if you need it. They are always there.

Vonn continues to heal, it's going to be a long journey, but she will be ok. Probably won't ski again, at least at that level, but she still has her leg. That was in question had she not gotten the surgeries when she did.

Vonn is a five-time Olympian and gold medalist having won the top honor in the downhill event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. She placed third and was awarded bronze that year in the Super-G event. She won another bronze medal in the downhill event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games in South Korea.