science
Lindsey Vonn Discusses Recovery from Olympic Downhill Crash and Inspiration from Law & Order: SVU
Lindsey Vonn is recovering from a tibia and ankle fracture sustained in a crash during her Olympic downhill run on February 8. She draws mental support from the television series Law & Order: SVU and its lead character Olivia Benson, portrayed by Mariska Hargitay. Vonn has expressed a desire for closure with her skiing career and teammates.
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Lindsey Vonn sustained a fracture to her tibia and ankle 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run on February 8. The crash occurred in Cortina, Italy, during the event. She was transported by helicopter from the scene.
Two months after the incident, Vonn has progressed from using a wheelchair to crutches in her physical rehabilitation. Last week, she left her home in Park City, Utah, for the first time to visit Los Angeles, California. The change in environment provided a boost to her mental recovery.
Vonn watches episodes of Law & Order: SVU for mental relief during challenging rehabilitation days. The series debuted on September 20, 1999, with the pilot episode titled "Payback," introducing junior detective Olivia Benson. Benson, now portrayed as a captain, is the longest-running character on the longest-running American drama series.
Series Vonn grew up watching the show in her household, as her parents are lawyers.
She guest-starred as an office assistant in a 2010 episode. Mariska Hargitay, who plays Benson, visited Vonn in the hospital in Treviso, Italy, following the crash and was present in Cortina on the day of the incident. Vonn texts Hargitay for encouragement, drawing strength from the character's resilience.
