Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn is reeling from a double blow: a career-threatening crash at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics followed immediately by the heartbreaking loss of her cherished dog, Leo.
The 41-year-old three-time Olympic medalist crashed hard during the women’s downhill event on February 8, suffering a complex tibia fracture that required multiple surgeries and left her hospitalized in Italy for nearly two weeks. Doctors worked to save her leg from amputation, and she’s now facing a long recovery road of about a year for full bone healing.
But the pain ran deeper. Just one day later, on February 9, Vonn’s loyal companion Leo—a 13-year-old pup she’d had since around her second ACL injury—passed away. In a raw, emotional Instagram post shared on February 18 (as she prepared for yet another surgery), Vonn revealed the devastating timing: “The day I crashed, so did Leo.”
She explained that Leo had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer (after beating lymphoma a year and a half earlier), but his heart ultimately failed. “He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind,” Vonn wrote. From her hospital bed, she said goodbye to her “big boy,” calling the ordeal “probably the hardest days of my life.” She added, “I still have not come to terms that he is gone… I will love you forever my big boy 🤍”
Leo, born in 2013, had been a constant source of comfort through Vonn’s injuries, triumphs, and personal battles—including helping her through depression. She described him as her “first love,” a gentle protector who joined her late dogs Lucy and Bear “up in heaven 🪽.”
Fans and fellow athletes flooded her post with support, with thousands of likes and comments pouring in empathy. Vonn later shared a touching reunion video with her other dog, Chance, noting how those moments help amid the grief: “Had a pretty hard day yesterday… Just miss my boy Leo… One day at a time.”
The emotional weight underscores the human side of elite athletes—beyond the slopes, the pressure, and the medals, personal losses hit hard. Vonn, a trailblazer in Alpine skiing and advocate for mental health, continues to inspire with her vulnerability.
Rest in peace, Leo. Your mom—and the world—will miss you. ❤️🐶
