Lindsey Vonn’s younger sister, Karin Kildow, has opened up about the challenging days following the skiing icon’s devastating crash at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, describing the hospital stay as “rough” while insisting her sister remains “super strong.”
The 41-year-old Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg after a horrifying wipeout just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill race on February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The crash — triggered by hooking a gate and spinning violently through the air — compounded a recent ACL tear in the same knee and led to her being airlifted to hospital.
Vonn underwent four surgeries in Italy at Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso to stabilize the severe injury, with specialists noting that similar fractures can sometimes require extreme measures like amputation in the worst cases. Her most recent procedure on Saturday was deemed successful, paving the way for her discharge on Sunday and return to the United States.
Speaking to TMZ Sports at Los Angeles International Airport, Kildow, 37, shared a candid glimpse into the family’s experience. “It’s been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot,” she said. “Just one day at a time. She’s super strong, but there’s a lot of surgeries and things. We’re working on getting her back to the U.S.”
Vonn confirmed her safe arrival back home on Monday night via social media, posting: “Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing ❤️🇺🇸 #imhome #BeLv.” She extended heartfelt thanks to the Italian medical staff for their exceptional care.
Amid online criticism questioning her decision to race with a torn ACL, Kildow dismissed the negativity. “You know what? Everyone’s gonna have their thing to say… but she’s strong and she did it,” she told TMZ Sports, emphasizing her sister’s resilience and commitment.
Vonn has kept fans updated with emotional Instagram content, including a touching video compiled by Karin showing intimate recovery moments — hair washing, physical therapy, meals in bed, and shared laughter with family, friends, her team, and hospital staff. Captioning the post, Vonn wrote: “Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself…. I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most. Smile. Laugh. Love. 🙏🏻❤️ My sister @kar_inthegarage made this video and it instantly made me cry and made my heart full. Love you guys.”
Despite the pain and uncertainty — with more surgeries anticipated in the U.S. and experts predicting months before normal walking resumes — Vonn remains defiant and grateful. In earlier posts, she expressed no regrets about competing, declaring the “ride was worth the fall” and vowing she looks forward to standing atop a mountain again one day.
As the four-time Olympian and 2010 downhill gold medalist embarks on the next phase of rehabilitation, her family’s unwavering support and her own unbreakable spirit continue to inspire fans worldwide. The skiing community rallies behind Vonn, sending messages of strength and hope for a complete comeback — on and off the slopes. 💙
