Lindsey Vonn Races In Super-G Despite Concussion

Lindsey Vonn, who suffered a concussion after crashing during practice, raced in Tuesday's Super-G and finished seventh.

Austrian winner Elisabeth Goergl beat Vonn's time by 0.84 seconds.

"I think maybe it was the wrong decision to even try to race today, but I'm too stubborn," Vonn said, according to the Associated Press. "I couldn't give up."

The Olympic gold medalist reportedly lost time at each check point and was "uncharacteristically wild."

"It's very frustrating, because it's not pain. I can't just fight my way down and fight my way through the pain -- I have no fight, I can't think," she said. "It's awful, it's awful."

Comments

[RMHCFamily]

01:39 PM on 02/18/2011

I applaud Lindsey Vonn for using her own discretion and the advice of the team physicians by dropping out of the World Competitions. Lindsey is a role model for many children and too many times our kids see their role models "shake it off" and return to play too soon. The message that sends is a dangerous one because our children don't see the lifetime of suffering these athletes potentially face as a result of multiple concussions. A concussion, although not as obvious as a torn knee ligament or a broken finger (two injuries that Lindsey has sustained in the past), is a serious brain injury and needs to be treated as such. A second hit to Lindsey's brain right now, while it is still recovering, could lead to serious long-term damage, and in children, can even lead to death. I have dedicated my career to helping athletes, parents and players learn the dangers of concussion and returning to play too soon. I'm glad to see a role model that is helping to change the culture around brain injury." -- Karen McAvoy, PsyD, Director, Center for Concussion, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, Denver, Colorado.

[johndtuttle]

12:06 PM on 02/10/2011

hawt, but crazy...ain't it always so?

[CLSayles]

09:17 AM on 02/10/2011

Fine line between bravery and stupidity...

[Chubbster]

07:47 PM on 02/09/2011

"It's very frustrating...I have no fight, I can't think," she said. "It's awful, it's awful."
Races Super G anyway...

Asking for it.

[Frank Smith]

01:40 PM on 02/09/2011

Needs at least a month off.

[HerrMonk]

11:36 AM on 02/09/2011

I'd marry her.

[Quotidien]

08:31 AM on 02/09/2011

Jay Cutler, she's not.

[kiddub]

08:10 PM on 02/08/2011

Good for her. An injury is sometimes part of her profession, and her focus and dedication got her to this point. Didn't she win gold with an injured leg?

[johndtuttle]

12:05 PM on 02/10/2011

huh....what do you think life is like with a permanent limp versus a permanent brain injury?

[kiddub]

12:50 PM on 02/10/2011

You'd be slow on both counts.

Seriously, athletes are doing what they love. Some play through injury because the sport or game means that much to them. I mean what's the difference between a brick layer who has to work through a bad back and knees, and an athlete who has to do the same? (Millions of dollars, ha!)

I know there is greater focus on head injuries in all sports now, but we can't take it too far in the other direction as well.

[cybolt]

02:23 PM on 02/08/2011

That's a great picture of Ms. Vonn.

[CaptainSunshine]

02:05 PM on 02/08/2011

Lindsey Vonn is one of my favorite athletes! Go Lindsey!