Sadly, ski racer Lindsey Vonn won’t be competing in the Sochi Olympics due to a second injury she suffered a couple of months back. She made the announcement via Facebook.

“I am devastated to announce that I will not be able to compete in Sochi,” she wrote. “I did everything I possibly could to somehow get strong enough to overcome having no ACL but the reality has sunk in that my knee is just too unstable to compete at this level. I’m having surgery soon so that I can be ready for the World Championships at home in Vail next February.”

Vonn also said that she’s happy for the person who’s able to take her spot. “On a positive note, this means there will be an additional spot so that one of my teammates can go for gold,” she posted. “Thank you all so much for all of the love and support. I will be cheering for all of the Olympians and especially team USA!.”

The message was written Tuesday morning, and within three hours, the post received a whopping 1,481 shares, over 13 thousand likes and almost 2 thousands comments from various supporters. “Stay strong, Lindsey,” one person wrote. “Look forward to a world class champion next year, stronger and better than ever,” another one posted. “We love and support you.”

Problems for Vonn began on Feb. 5, 2013, when she tore her ACL and MCL in Austria after taking a nasty spill. She fractured her tibia as well, and she re injured herself while training back in November.

However, CEO and President of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, Bill Marolt, says he believes Vonn has everything it takes to make a full comeback next year. “In looking ahead, I have every ounce of confidence that Lindsey will be in the starting gate next World Cup season ready to compete,” he said. “She knows the hard work it takes to get to the top and still has significant goals to achieve in what has been an incredible year.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons