Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn underwent a successful surgery on her complex tibia fracture Saturday, marking a key milestone in her recovery from a dramatic crash during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old American icon, who has now completed multiple procedures since the February 8 incident, announced she is finally cleared to return to the United States, where additional surgery awaits.
In a heartfelt bedside reflection shared via social media, Vonn urged fans to replace sadness with strength and inspiration. “Please, don’t be sad,” she wrote. “Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy. I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.”
Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist who came out of retirement to chase one more run at glory, recounted the high-stakes moment of her crash. She emphasized her full awareness of the risks involved in competing on a recently torn ACL. “I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences,” she stated. “I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk. Because even if you are the strongest person in the world, the mountain always holds the cards.”
Despite the setback, Vonn expressed zero regrets about pushing her limits. She described being in peak physical and mental condition leading into the race—stronger than at her 2019 World Championships bronze and mentally “perfect”: clear, focused, hungry, aggressive, yet calm. Her season had already featured two downhill wins and a lead in the standings, serving as preparation for the Olympics.
“The ride was worth the fall,” Vonn affirmed. “When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will. 💪🏻❤️”
The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run, resulting in a severe tibia fracture requiring several surgeries. Vonn has undergone at least three procedures in Italy, with Saturday’s operation paving the way for her repatriation and further treatment back home. Medical experts have noted the injury’s seriousness, with potential for a prolonged recovery and lifelong implications, though Vonn remains defiant and optimistic.
Her message resonates as a testament to resilience in high-risk sports, reminding fans that chasing dreams often involves gambles—but the alternative of “what if” is far worse. As Vonn prepares to continue her rehabilitation in the U.S., supporters worldwide rally behind the champion who refuses to let one fall define her legacy.
