In the wake of Lindsey Vonn’s terrifying crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics, her father, Alan Kildow, has made it clear he believes the injury signals the definitive close to his daughter’s storied skiing career.
The 41-year-old American legend suffered a complex tibia fracture just seconds into the women’s downhill race on February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Racing on a recently ruptured ACL, Vonn hooked a gate, lost control, and tumbled violently—her skis failing to release as her leg twisted severely. She was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, where she has undergone multiple surgeries, with family—including Kildow, a brother, and two sisters—by her side.
Speaking to The Associated Press in a telephone interview the day after the crash, Kildow expressed a mix of shock, horror, and firm resolve. “She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” he stated bluntly. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
Kildow acknowledged his daughter’s exceptional strength and resilience, noting she “accepts the consequences of the risk” and handles physical pain better than most. He emphasized that the injury was unrelated to her prior ACL issue, pointing out she had performed strongly in training runs (including third-fastest in the second) and was medically cleared to compete by top physicians.
Describing the emotional toll of witnessing the dramatic fall, Kildow said it was “dramatic and traumatic,” evoking the horror of similar high-speed crashes seen in the sport. He also indicated Vonn would not return to the Olympic Village to support teammates, as her recovery demands focus elsewhere.
Vonn herself has remained defiant and reflective in social media updates, expressing no regrets about chasing her Olympic dream despite the risks. She has shared details of her severe injury and ongoing surgeries while vowing to provide more updates soon.
As Vonn continues her recovery back in the United States, her father’s candid call for retirement has sparked debate in the skiing community—balancing admiration for her unparalleled legacy with concerns over the physical toll of the sport at age 41. Whether this truly marks the final chapter remains to be seen, but Kildow’s words underscore a family’s protective instinct amid heartbreak. The alpine world watches, hoping for Vonn’s full healing above all else.
