Lindsey Vonn Suffers Leg Injury in Olympic Crash, Undergoes Surgery
Details are surfacing following Lindsey Vonn's crash during the 2026 Winter Olympics, an incident that has left fans and athletes alike in shock.
The 41-year-old skier is currently receiving care from a multidisciplinary team and has undergone an orthopedic procedure to stabilize a fracture in her left leg, as confirmed by Ca’ Foncello hospital on February 8.
According to the U.S. Ski Team, Vonn remains “in stable condition” and is being treated by both American and Italian medical professionals. “She’ll be OK, but it’s going to be a bit of a process,” stated Anouk Patty, chief of sport for U.S. Ski and Snowboard, emphasizing the inherent risks of the sport. “This sport’s brutal and people need to remember when they’re watching that these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain and going really, really fast.”
The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her downhill run, with Vonn reportedly screaming as medical staff rushed to her aid on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Vonn was airlifted from the scene, with a photograph capturing the moment her right ski pole clipped a gate, triggering the fall.
“Lindsey Vonn sustained an injury but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians,” reiterated the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team in their statement.
Just nine days prior to this incident, Vonn had torn her ACL during a World Cup Race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Despite this setback, she was determined to make her Olympic comeback after announcing her return to competitive skiing in November 2024.
“Well… I completely tore my ACL last Friday,” Vonn shared on Instagram on February 3. “I also sustained a bone bruise, plus meniscal tears but it’s unclear how much of that was there previously and what was new from the crash. This was obviously incredibly hard news to receive one week before the Olympics. I really appreciate everyone giving me time and space to process what happened and find a way forward.”
In her determination to compete, Vonn stated, “After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday.” She expressed confidence in her body’s ability to perform despite her injuries, noting that her knee was stable and muscles were functioning properly.
Days later, Vonn addressed criticism regarding her decision to compete despite her injury, responding directly to sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer. “lol thanks doc,” she tweeted on February 7. “My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100 percent ruptured. Not 80 percent or 50 percent. It’s 100 percent gone.”
