OLYMPICS: Alpine skiing-Vonn says she's making progress after third surgery

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO — U.S. skiing star Lindsey Vonn said Wednesday she is making progress after undergoing her third surgery following a downhill crash that ended her Olympic comeback last Sunday.

The 41-year-old Alpine skiing legend shared photos on Instagram from her hospital bed, surrounded by bouquets of flowers.

“I had my third surgery today and it was successful,” Vonn wrote. “Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I'm making progress, and while it is slow, I know I'll be OK.”

Vonn thanked medical staff, friends, family, and well-wishers from around the world. She also congratulated her teammates, saying they were “inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”

The 2010 Olympic champion suffered a complex leg fracture just 13 seconds into her race, an injury that required multiple surgical operations. Vonn had been aiming to become the oldest Alpine skiing medalist in Olympic history after winning two World Cup downhill races this season and finishing on the podium in three others.

After the crash, she was airlifted by helicopter to Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso for treatment. -Reporting by Alan BaldwinEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters