Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Journey Continues: Facing Further Surgery and a Remarkable Spirit
Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier, is navigating a challenging recovery following a crash during the alpine ski women’s downhill event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Already competing with a ruptured ACL, Vonn sustained a leg fracture that has required multiple surgeries, with a third successful operation completed on Wednesday.
A Third Surgery and Uncertain Path Forward
Vonn shared an update on her Instagram, describing the latest surgery as “successful” and expressing gratitude for the medical staff, friends, and family supporting her. Yet, her road to recovery remains complex. She is currently hospitalized and awaiting imaging results to determine the specifics of a fourth surgery, which will be necessary to fully address the injury.
Lindsey Vonn during women’s downhill training at the 2026 Winter Olympics. (Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images)
A Comeback Marked by Courage
Vonn’s participation in the 2026 Olympics was already remarkable, as she returned to competition after an eight-year hiatus and was skiing with a pre-existing torn ACL. The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her downhill race after her right arm hooked inside a gate, resulting in the fracture. She maintains that the ACL injury did not contribute to the crash.
Resilience and Support from Fellow Athletes
Despite the setbacks, Vonn has displayed incredible resilience, stating she has “no regrets” about pursuing her Olympic dream. She has received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, including Naomi Osaka and Shaun White, who have wished her well in her recovery.
Lindsey Vonn being airlifted after her crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of injury did Lindsey Vonn sustain? She sustained a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.
- How many surgeries has Lindsey Vonn had on her leg? She has undergone three surgeries, with a fourth planned after further imaging.
- Was the ACL injury a factor in the crash? Vonn stated that her ACL injury did not contribute to the crash.
- What is Lindsey Vonn’s current condition? She is currently hospitalized and awaiting imaging results to determine the next steps in her recovery.
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