American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has departed Italy and arrived back on home soil in the United States, closing a challenging chapter in her hospital stay while quietly turning the page toward continued rehabilitation and potential future comeback.
The 41-year-old three-time Olympic medalist confirmed the milestone following her fourth surgery on Saturday, February 14, which she described as successful. In an Instagram update from her hospital bed in Treviso, Vonn wrote: “Surgery went well today! Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US 🇺🇸! Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury….”
Vonn’s return comes less than a week after her devastating crash during the women’s downhill event on February 8. Just 13 seconds into her run—competing despite a complete ACL tear in her left knee sustained in training days earlier—she clipped a gate, lost control, and suffered a violent fall. Airlifted off the course amid visible agony, she was diagnosed with a complex tibia fracture in her left leg requiring immediate and ongoing surgical intervention.
The injury prompted multiple procedures in Italy to stabilize the fracture, including the use of external fixators in earlier operations. Specialists have emphasized the severity, with one orthopedic expert noting an unpredictable timeline for normal walking—potentially months—and the initial priority of preserving the leg amid risks of complications.
In her reflective post, Vonn addressed fans’ concern with resilience and gratitude, reiterating her lack of regrets: “The ride was worth the fall… 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.”
She urged supporters to focus on strength rather than sadness: “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.”
Upon returning stateside, Vonn plans further imaging and at least one additional surgery to fully address the fracture. She has promised detailed updates on her condition once settled.
Vonn’s Olympic appearance marked an inspiring return after years in retirement, highlighted by strong World Cup performances this season. Her determination has resonated globally, reinforcing her status as one of alpine skiing’s most enduring and courageous figures.
As Vonn begins this next phase of recovery on familiar ground, the skiing community and fans worldwide continue to rally behind #TeamUSA’s unbreakable champion. Updates on her progress are anticipated soon.
