Great American skiing Lindsey Vonn had two operations in Italy after a serious leg fracture, the source said, to stabilize her afterwards a horrific crash 13 seconds into one of the most anticipated races at the Winter Olympics.

Vonn, 41, was airlifted to Ca’ Foncello hospital in the city of Treviso from Cortina d’Ampezzo after her daring attempt to win downhill gold with a ruptured knee ligament ended in agony on Sunday.

She was operated on by a joint team of local orthopedists and plastic surgeons, a source close to the event said on Monday, explaining that the purpose of the procedure was to prevent complications related to swelling and blood flow.

Vonn’s personal physician was present but only assisted while the Italian surgeons conducted the procedures, the source added.

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The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee did not respond to a request for comment on the treatment of Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history.

The hospital said Sunday that she underwent surgery to stabilize her left leg, but did not mention the other procedure. At the end of January, she suffered an ACL injury in her left knee.

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The hospital initially said it would provide further information on her condition at 1100 GMT on Monday, but this plan was dropped and further information was expected to come from the US delegation.

A small group of reporters waited outside the hospital in Treviso, which is a short drive from Venice, but it was a normal day there and no one showed up.

The case highlighted the debate in elite sport about who decides when an injured athlete is ready to compete and what message those decisions send.

The president of the International Ski Federation, Johan Eliasch, said that the competitor must decide for himself.

“I’m a firm believer that it’s up to the individual to decide… And in her case, she certainly knows her injuries a lot better than anybody else,” he told reporters on Monday.

“And what’s also important for people to understand is that the accident she had yesterday was incredibly unfortunate. It was one in a thousand. She got too close to the door and got stuck when she was mid-air in the door and started spinning.”

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Sebastien Amiez, a former French skier and Olympic silver medalist, said Vonn only competed in the Jan. 30 race in Crans-Montana where she tore her ACL because she was so good in the World Cup.

“Her original goal was to peak at the Olympics. But she won the early races, she led the World Cup, and as the champion she wanted it all. Yesterday, unfortunately, luck ran out – that’s how it goes,” he said.

The US ski team looked at several facilities before choosing Treviso, some 125 km (80 miles) from Cortina, preferring it over the closer hospital in Belluno because Treviso also has a neurosurgery department, the source said.

Vonn has been inundated with messages of support from the world of sports and beyond.

“You are a great inspiration and an example of perseverance,” said tennis great Rafa Nadal. “Stay strong and get well soon!”