Legendary American skier Lindsey Vonn was discharged from an Italian hospital on Sunday and is en route back to the United States, where she will undergo additional surgeries following a horrific crash during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old Vonn, who came out of retirement to chase history as the oldest Alpine skiing medalist in Olympic history, crashed just 13 seconds into her run on February 8. Her right arm hooked a gate, sending her tumbling violently down the slope and resulting in a complex tibia fracture in her left leg. She was airlifted off the course and admitted to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where she has undergone four surgeries to address the injury.
Vonn had been racing despite a torn ACL in her left knee, sustained nine days earlier in a training crash at Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Despite the pre-existing injury and the setback, she showed strong form in final training, posting the third-best time and appearing in medal contention before the devastating fall.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared Saturday from her hospital bed, Vonn addressed fans’ concern and sympathy while reaffirming her unbreakable passion for the sport. She urged supporters not to feel sad, but to draw inspiration from her resilience.
“I have been reading a lot of messages and comments saying that what has happened to me makes them sad. Please, don’t be sad,” Vonn 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.”
Reflecting on the risk she knowingly embraced, Vonn added: “When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. 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.”
She concluded with a powerful vow: “So please, don’t feel sad. 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.”
Vonn’s Olympic career includes three medals—one gold in downhill at Vancouver 2010—and more than 80 World Cup victories, making her one of the most accomplished skiers ever. Her comeback attempt at age 41, despite chronic injuries including a partial titanium knee replacement, underscored her legendary determination.
While her immediate future involves further medical procedures in the U.S., Vonn’s message leaves no doubt about her intent to return to the slopes. The skiing world watches as one of its greatest champions begins the next chapter of recovery and resurgence.
