The 2026 Winter Olympics turned into a nightmare for Lindsey Vonn after a brutal crash during the women’s downhill left her fighting through one of the toughest stretches of her career.
The alpine skiing legend went down hard on the course and had to be airlifted out, kicking off what’s become a grueling recovery process.
Vonn has undergone multiple surgeries to repair a fractured tibia since the crash, and the injury is severe enough that doctors have mentioned amputation as a concern.
The 41-year-old has been stuck in the hospital dealing with complications, but she gave fans an update Friday about where things stand.
Her latest operation took place Wednesday, Feb. 18, and lasted more than six hours. It marked the fifth procedure she has had in just 10 days.
“Just a quick update… my last surgery went well,” Vonn wrote on X. “It took a little over six hours. I have been recovering from the surgery, but pain has been hard to manage. Making slow progress, but I hope I can be out of the hospital soon. Thank you for all the support.”
The crash happened early in the downhill run, and Vonn spent several days in an Italian hospital before getting transported back to the United States.
She came into these Olympics already dealing with a torn ACL, which had plenty of people questioning whether she could handle the physical demands. She lined up anyway and went for it in her signature event.
Lindsey Vonn of the United States looks on during downhill training session during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Vonn’s career includes three Olympic medals, but she hasn’t said whether this injury ends her run.
A comeback for the 2030 Olympics seems like a long shot, but she’s never been one to back down from a challenge.
