LINDSEY VONN was reduced to tears as she revealed she is about to lose a precious title.
The American skier suffered a shock exit at the Winter Olympics after crashing 14 seconds into her downhill run.
Vonn, 41, was left screaming in pain as she was airlifted to hospital in Milan Cortina.
The crash came just one week after she suffered a complete ACL rupture and left her with a broken leg.
The Olympic icon has already returned to the gym to start her rehabilitation on the injury.
Despite this, it is more than likely she will lose her position as the world no1 skier.
Vonn made the revelation on social media with an emotional post in which she hailed her “adventure” and thanked her fans for their support.
She posted the message on Instagram for her 3.6million followers along with a number of pictures from the slopes.
She wrote: “Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1.
“At the beginning of the season, no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position.
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“And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested. But winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it.
“I’m not one to talk about things I’ve achieved but in this instance I feel I need to, maybe more to remind myself than anything else…
“I was on the podium of every single downhill race, including 2 wins.
“I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget.
“Even though in a few days no one will remember that I almost won the season title, I will remember.
“I didn’t want to win the title to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I knew I could.
“I just wish I had a chance to fight until the end to try and get it…
“However, as I sit here I have to reflect and wonder; why does a title mean so much to me? Why am I crying over a crystal trophy?
“It’s because skiing has always been the thing I love to do most in this world. It has always brought me incredible joy, especially this season.
“But what I am realising is that not having one more title doesn’t make this season less extraordinary.
“It doesn’t take away the joy I had standing in the starting gate or crossing the finish line and seeing #1 next to my name.
“It doesn’t take away from the incredible time I had with my team and team-mates. Singing and dancing with fans and kids in the stadium.
“Those memories aren’t washed away because of a title. My tears just mean I care. I always have.
“That’s why I work so hard. Skiing is my passion. Whether I’ll ever be able to do it again is yet to be seen.
“But at least I have the memories, with or without a title, I feel privileged to have had this adventure.
“Wherever this path leads I will find my way. I always do. Skiing is what I love to do but it’s not who I am.
“There are so many reasons to be happy. So much to be thankful for. Thank you all for coming on this journey with me.”
The four-time world champion, who dated golfing superstar Tiger Woods for two years, retired from alpine skiing in 2019.
But she sensationally decided to make a comeback in December 2024.
Vonn was crowned the Olympic downhill champion at the Vancouver 2010 Games and then bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games in South Korea
