Tennis legend Rafael Nadal sent a heartfelt message to American ski star Lindsey Vonn after she suffered a shocking and painful crash at the Winter Olympics. Nadal praised her courage and strength, writing, “Lindsey Vonn, you are a great inspiration and an example of perseverance. Stay strong and get well soon!”
Vonn’s crash happened during the downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo, just seconds after she started her run.
In bright sunny conditions, she lost control, twisted in mid-air, and slammed into the snow. The 41-year-old could be heard crying out in pain as medics rushed to help her.
The crowd watching at the bottom of the slope fell completely silent as they saw the accident on big screens. She was later taken away on a stretcher and flown to hospital by helicopter.
However, her thoughts were with Vonn, saying, “My heart goes out to her. I hope it’s not as bad as it looked.”
Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow also reacted emotionally, saying, “That definitely was the last thing we wanted to see.”
She had said, “This is not obviously what I had hoped for…. I know what my chances were before the crash and and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today,” and “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance I will try.”