Three-time Olympic medalist, Lindsey Vonn, entered the Winter Olympics in Italy for Team USA but took a catastrophic fall in the downhill race on February 8 and was removed by a helicopter to a local hospital.  

She sustained a complex tibia fracture that required multiple surgeries. She shared news with her fans on Facebook and wrote, "While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets. Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself. I also knew that racing was a risk. It always was and always will be an incredibly dangerous sport." 

The day following her crash she received more heartbreaking news. She had to say goodbye to her beloved dog Leo. She wrote, "This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life. I still have not come to terms that he is gone…"

She shared that the 13-year-old dog was battling lung cancer and his heart was failing. She said, "He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind. As I layed in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy. I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe it."

The loyal dog has been by her side through her ACL injury and was her "first love". While mourning his loss, she shared, " I take solace knowing he’s not in pain anymore."

She concluded the post with, "Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes. I will love you forever my big boy." 

Photos and short videos of Leo over the years were shared alongside the heartbreaking news.

Vonn has undergone four surgeries in Italy and just returned to the United States to continue healing. She states "My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg. I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead."

Follow her on Facebook for more updates.