Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn disclosed on Tuesday that she has been grappling with profound emotional pain alongside her physical injuries following her dramatic crash during the downhill event at the Winter Olympics. The champion athlete shared on Instagram that her cherished dog, Leo, passed away just one day after she suffered a devastating leg injury at the Milan Cortina Games.
Double Tragedy for Olympic Champion
"This has been an incredibly hard few days," Vonn wrote in her emotional social media post. "Probably the hardest of my life. I still have not come to terms that he is gone." The 2010 gold medalist, who has undergone multiple surgeries at the Italian hospital where she was airlifted after her crash, revealed she faces another operation on Wednesday back in the United States.
Heartbreaking Farewell in Hospital Bed
"As I layed in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy," Vonn wrote, describing the painful moment of Leo's passing. "I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can't believe it."
The skiing icon included a touching collection of photographs showing Leo throughout their thirteen years together. According to Vonn, the dog had been battling lung cancer after previously surviving lymphoma and also had heart complications.
Remarkable Comeback Attempt at Age 41
Vonn's Olympic appearance represented a remarkable comeback story, as the 41-year-old athlete competed despite rupturing her ACL just days before the Games began. Her participation ended dramatically with a violent tumble during the Milan Cortina Games downhill event.
Thirteen Years of Unwavering Companionship
"My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most," Vonn wrote, reflecting on their long relationship. "He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddle me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years."
The athlete expressed that processing these recent events emotionally will take considerable time, but she finds comfort in believing Leo remains with her in spirit. "I know he's up there with Lucy and Bear and my mom and grandparents and so many people I have lost in the past few years," she wrote. "And I take solace knowing he's not in pain anymore."
Final Tribute to a First Love
Vonn concluded her heartfelt tribute with words that captured the depth of her bond with her canine companion. "There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love," she wrote, adding that she would be thinking of him during her upcoming surgery. "Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes. I will love you forever my big boy."
The emotional revelation provides a poignant glimpse into the personal struggles behind the public persona of one of skiing's most celebrated athletes, highlighting how even champions face profound personal losses alongside their professional challenges.
