Lindsey Vonn undergoes surgery to repair tendon damage

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U.S. ski queen Lindsey Vonn’s participation in Thursday’s world championship giant slalom is in doubt after she underwent surgery in Austria to repair tendon damage to her right thumb, which she cut while opening a celebratory bottle of champagne Monday.

Vonn, who won the world championship downhill Monday in Val d’Isere, France, flew by private jet Tuesday to Innsbruck, where she underwent surgery at Privatklinik Hochrum, according to the U.S. ski team.

She was remain overnight in Austria and return to Val d’Isere Wednesday.

‘The surgery went fine’ said U.S. ski team doctor Richard Quincy. ‘She will have a splint and should be able to grip her ski pole. We anticipate she will be ready to compete in Saturday’s slalom and possibly the giant slalom Thursday.’

‘Everything went really well and I couldn’t be more thankful for the care that I’ve received,’ said Vonn, who has won gold medals in super G and downhill in Val d’Isere. ‘The support I’ve received from my fans has been awesome and I’m looking forward returning to Worlds and challenging for another medal.’

Vonn was driven from Val d’Isere to Geneva, Switzerland, where she met a plane supplied by her sponsor, Red Bull.

-- Philip Hersh