What began as one of the most anticipated comeback stories in sports history has taken a devastating turn for Lindsey Vonn. The American alpine skiing icon crashed spectacularly just 13 seconds into her downhill race at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, suffering a complex tibia fracture that has already required three surgeries—and now demands at least two more.
Vonn, 41, had returned to competition after a lengthy retirement, partial knee replacement, and a fresh ACL tear just weeks before the Games. Defying medical advice, she raced with a brace, but disaster struck when her skis caught an edge, sending her tumbling hard into the snow. Airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, Italy, she’s been largely immobile while battling intense pain and uncertainty.
In a candid February 13 hospital video, Vonn shared the latest: “Tomorrow I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well… at which point I will need another surgery.” That means a fourth procedure in Italy this weekend and a fifth once back home, with doctors still assessing via imaging what full reconstruction will entail.
Orthopedic experts describe the injury as “gruesome,” involving potential long-term sequelae. One specialist even raised concerns about amputation risks in extreme cases, though Vonn’s team emphasizes progress and stability so far. Recovery could take months before she walks normally again.
The question on everyone’s mind: Is this the final chapter for one of the greatest skiers ever? Vonn has no regrets about competing, insisting her prior ACL issue “had nothing to do” with the crash—it was simply bad luck. But the toll is undeniable.
Fans worldwide are heartbroken yet inspired by her fighting spirit. “You’re the comeback queen—don’t stop now,” one supporter posted. Prayers and well-wishes continue to pour in as Vonn faces the toughest battle of her career.
Will she return to the slopes? Only time—and her unbreakable will—will tell. Drop a ❤️ below if you’re hoping for one more epic comeback from Lindsey Vonn.
