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The psychological toll of such an accident can often be as significant as the physical trauma. To see an Olympic dream end in the back of an ambulance is a bitter pill for any competitor. Yet, Vonn has maintained a perspective that transcends the scoreboard. She spoke candidly about the meaning of her return to the Olympic stage, asserting that simply standing at the starting gate again was a victory in itself. After years of rehabilitation from prior setbacks, the act of competing at the highest level was a testament to her enduring spirit. She expressed no regrets regarding her decision to race, viewing the risks as an inseparable part of the pursuit of greatness.+1
For the decorated athlete, the focus has now shifted from podiums to milestones of a different sort: the first unassisted step, the first day without pain, and the long-term goal of total mobility. The sports world has watched Vonn overcome the impossible before, and while this injury represents one of the most significant challenges of her later career, her optimism remains unshaken. She highlighted that downhill skiing is a sport of passion, and that passion does not disappear simply because of a fracture.
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