Lindsey Vonn had a “successful” third surgery on her broken left leg after falling in an Olympic downhill, the American skier said Wednesday

Vonn posted an update on Instagram that included photos of her giving the thumbs up in a hospital bed with a metal frame attached to her leg.

“I had my third surgery today and it was a success. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago,” Vonn said. “I’m making progress and even though it’s slow, I know I’ll be fine.”

Vonn, 41, collapsed 13 seconds into her run during Sunday’s race at the Milan Games in Cortina and was airlifted off the track. She said late Monday that she suffered a “complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to properly repair.”

Nine days before Sunday’s accident, Vonn tore the ACL in her left knee in another accident. Even before that, all eyes were on her as the feel-good story heading into the Games for her comeback after nearly six years of retirement.

Andrea Panzeri, chief physician of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, told The Associated Press that some fractures require what he called external fixation to keep the leg stable, often pending further surgery.

Panzeri has operated on Sofia Goggia, Federica Brignone and other top skiers after serious injuries over the years, but cautioned that he has not examined Vonn or seen her X-rays, so he has no direct knowledge of her injuries. He said he wasn’t surprised by what he saw in the picture she posted, but: “In our business, nothing should surprise you, because every situation is different.”

Vonna’s father, Alan Kildow, told The Associated Press on Monday that she is surrounded by family “at all times” at the hospital in Treviso where she is being treated.

“I am grateful to all the amazing medical staff, friends, family who have been there for me and the wonderful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” Vonn added. “Also, a big congratulations to my teammates and all the Team USA athletes who inspire me and give me something to cheer for.”

Vonn, who holds the record 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, returned to ski racing in December 2024, following surgery to install a partial titanium replacement in her right knee in April of that year.

She was the best runner this season going into the Olympics, winning two downhills and finishing on the podium in seven of the eight World Cup races she completed. She was fourth in the second.