Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images

Lindsey Vonn Sends Message After Retirement Announcement on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Athlon Trending News Team | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 4:09 PM ET

Lindsey Vonn's run at the 2026 Winter Olympics was marred by a multitude of injuries. The three-time Olympic medalist suffered a torn ACL before the start of the games, and then suffered a tibia fracture that will require five surgeries during her downhill event on Feb. 6.

While those around the sport have expressed plenty of concern about the 41-year-old skier, she sent a positive update to fans on Friday.

"It's been a quite hard few days here in the hospital here," Vonn said in a Instagram video. "I'm finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long way to go. "Tomorrow, I'll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well. Then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point I'll need another surgery. Don't know exactly what that entails until I get some better imaging."

U.S. Olympic skier Lindsey VonnLeonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images

While Vonn has a lot on her plate, she did take some time out of her day to send flowers to NBA legend Chris Paul, who officially announced his retirement on Friday.

Paul, 40, was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers, where he had hoped to finish out his career. Instead, the Clippers opted to move on from the 12-time All-Star, which led him to leaving the sport.

"This is it," Paul began his lengthy retirement message on Friday. "After over 21 years I'm stepping away from basketball."

Vonn had one word for Paul, writing "❤️ legend" in an Instagram comment under his retirement announcement.

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Aside from being legends in their respective sports, both Paul and Vonn also starred in a campaign together for Oura. The 2022 campaign featured both athletes, who in addition to their athletic endeavors have many business involvements outside of sports. Both now north of 40 years old, the two have defined longevity across multiple decades of competition at the highest level.

For Paul, he departs from basketball with 11 All-NBA nods, nine all-defensive team selections, two Olympic gold medals and as a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary team. His retirement tour was limited to just 16 games, as the Clippers sent him home due to internal friction with the coaching staff and teammates. He ends his career second all-time in assists and steals.

As for Vonn, she was previously retired before the Olympics, and it's unclear if she will continue to compete in the future. For now, her focus is seemingly on recovery.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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