Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn provided an update on her condition through social media after undergoing her third surgical procedure due to a severe crash that dashed her Olympic aspirations at Milan‑Cortina. The 41-year-old American sustained a leg injury at the games and was swiftly transported to a hospital following the accident, which occurred shortly after tearing her ACL.
During the women’s downhill event, Vonn, representing Team USA, collided with a gate, causing her to lose control and tumble down the slope within seconds of starting her run. Following the incident, she received immediate care before being airlifted for further medical attention.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Vonn shared, “I underwent my 3rd surgery today, and it was a success. The meaning of success has evolved for me in the past few days. Progress is being made, albeit slowly, and I am confident I will recover. Grateful for the exceptional medical team, as well as the unwavering support from friends, family, and the global community.”
She also extended congratulations to her teammates and fellow athletes from Team USA for their performances that serve as a source of inspiration during her recovery journey.
It was later confirmed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to address her leg injury, with the recent procedure marking her third intervention. While a lengthy rehabilitation period lies ahead, there is a possibility that she might return to competitive skiing within a year.
Federica Brignone, another skier who endured severe leg fractures and an ACL tear at the 2025 Italian Championships, made a remarkable comeback after just 10 months. Brignone competed alongside Vonn on the Olympia piste in Cortina.
According to Andrea Panzeri, the head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, assessing Vonn’s situation without X-rays is challenging. He mentioned that a complex fracture like hers could potentially impact an athlete’s career, although Brignone’s successful recovery post-similar injuries is a positive precedent.
Orthopaedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna from Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre highlighted that recovery tends to be slower as athletes age, despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes. Motivation and mindset play crucial roles in the recuperation process, with a potential risk of early arthritis development that may lead to joint issues over time.
Vonn’s prior leg injuries, including a partial knee implant, could influence the timeline for her recovery.