Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn is channeling her unbreakable spirit as she revisits one of the toughest moments of her career — a brutal crash and immediate return to competition — while building momentum for her fifth and final Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026.
In a recent Instagram post tying into the viral “2026 is the new 2016” trend, Vonn shared throwback memories from a year filled with triumphs, glamour, and hardship. Among the highlights was a daring body-paint “swimsuit” shoot for Sports Illustrated, showcasing her strength and confidence.
Here are captivating shots from that iconic 2016 Sports Illustrated body-paint session, where Vonn blended artistry and athleticism:
But 2016 also tested her resilience like few other years. In February, during a World Cup Super-G in Andorra, Vonn suffered a devastating crash that resulted in a hairline fracture to her left tibial plateau. Medics drained significant fluid — including blood — from her knee to reduce swelling.
These powerful images capture the intensity of that fateful crash in Andorra:
Defying the odds, Vonn refused to back down. Just one day later, braced on both knees and fueled by determination, she competed in the combined event. She posted the fastest time in the Super-G portion and ultimately finished 13th overall — a testament to her legendary toughness. Vonn later reflected on Instagram: “Drained 2x full files of blood from my tibia plateau fracture. Did I race the next day? 1000% I did!”
Unfortunately, the injury proved more serious than first realized, forcing her to end the season prematurely.
As Vonn looks ahead, that same grit defines her remarkable comeback. After retiring in 2019 due to chronic knee issues, she underwent a partial knee replacement and returned to the World Cup circuit in late 2024. Now 41, she’s in peak form, recently securing her spot for the 2026 Olympics in the downhill discipline and racking up victories, including her 84th World Cup win.
These dynamic action shots showcase Vonn’s signature speed and power on the slopes — the same qualities that have carried her through every challenge:
With the Milan-Cortina Games just weeks away (starting February 6), Vonn has expressed pure excitement: “I’m definitely very excited with how things are going… everything is going in the right direction. That’s an amazing feeling.”
Having already claimed three Olympic medals — gold in downhill and bronze in Super-G at Vancouver 2010, plus bronze in downhill at PyeongChang 2018 — Vonn is eyeing one final podium finish to cap her extraordinary career. Her journey from pain to podium in 2016 mirrors the resilience she’s bringing to this Olympic chapter.
