Legendary American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn has returned to the United States following a devastating crash at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where she suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg during the women’s downhill event on February 8.
In a heartfelt social media update shared Tuesday, the 41-year-old posted: “My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME.” Accompanied by a video chronicling her arduous journey—including multiple ambulance transfers and a flight home—Vonn emphasized the severity of her injury. “My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg,” she wrote. “I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead.”
Vonn, who had already torn her ACL in a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just days before the Olympics, insisted the pre-existing knee issue played no role in the crash. She successfully completed training runs and competed despite the injury, but clipped a gate early in her downhill run, leading to a violent fall that required airlifting from the course.
Since the incident, Vonn underwent four surgeries in an Italian hospital in Treviso to stabilize and address the complex tibial fracture. She described the procedures as successful steps forward, with a fifth surgery anticipated back in the U.S. In earlier posts, she reflected on her Olympic decision with no regrets, sharing footage of her final training run and stating, “I never want to cross the finish line and say, ‘what if?’”
Despite the physical toll—she noted being immobile and unable to stand for over a week—Vonn expressed profound gratitude. “Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself,” she wrote in a prior update. “I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most. Smile. Laugh. Love.”
Vonn has promised more details about her injury and recovery in the coming days. The five-time Olympic medalist (including gold in 2010 downhill) has faced numerous setbacks throughout her storied career, yet her resilience continues to inspire fans worldwide.
As she begins the next phase of rehabilitation on home soil, Vonn’s update serves as a poignant reminder of the risks elite athletes embrace—and her unwavering determination to return stronger.
(Compiled from Lindsey Vonn’s social media posts and Olympic coverage reports.)
