Team USA great Lindsey Vonn has delivered her first message on social media since being involved in a huge crash at the Winter Olympic Games.
Despite suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee less than two weeks ago, Vonn arrived in Cortina bidding for Winter Olympics glory in the women's downhill event.
She came through her first run, but on Sunday, suffered a massive accident when her right ski pole clipped an outside gate shortly before the first timing point.
As a result, the 41-year-old hit the ground hard before tumbling down the course.
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Eventually, she was airlifted to the hospital, and it has since been confirmed that Vonn was in a 'stable condition' and undergoing treatment.
It wa also reported by Sky that Vonn had undergone surgery after suffering a broken leg.
On Monday morning, Vonn took to social media and replied to former Football Focus and BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker as a surprise first post since her accident.
The 41-year-old is yet to make a post about her accident or injury but did reply to Walker.
The 5 News host originally wrote a lengthy post on X championing Vonn's attitude and bravery.
In response, Vonn said: "Thank you Dan," to which Walker replied: "Hope you feel better soon."
Vonn's Team USA teammate, Breezy Johnson, ended up winning the gold medal.
She told reporters that, according to her coach, Vonn had been 'cheering for me' from the medical helicopter.
Johnson said, via People: "Her coach said she was cheering for me in the helicopter, so I hope for the best for her.
"I hope that it's not too bad. My heart aches for her. It's such a brutal sport sometimes."
She added: "It can hurt you so badly but you keep coming back for more."
Meanwhile, Vonn's coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, took to Instagram and praised her bravery and character.
He wrote: "Lindsey, you're incredibly brave. You inspire people that follow your journey and us that work closely with you every day.
"Yesterday was a tough day on the mountain. For everyone, but most of all for you. Still something happened that I think says everything. ‘Tell Breezy congrats and good job’."
Svindal continued: "Your teammate was in the lead, and that's the message you wanted the U.S. Ski Team coaches to remember before you got airlifted to the hospital. Real character shows up in the hard moments.
"Big congrats to @breezyjohnsonski for the gold."
Topics: Olympics
Marcus Chan