Just when skiing icon Lindsey Vonn was starting her long road back from a devastating Olympic crash, her family got hit with another brutal blow: her younger sister, Karin Kildow, has torn her ACL and is now limping around on crutches right alongside her.
The 41-year-old Vonn, still recovering from a complex tibia fracture, broken ankle, and compartment syndrome that nearly led to amputation after her horrifying crash in the women’s downhill at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, shared the shocking update on her Instagram Stories around March 18. In a lighthearted yet poignant video, Vonn films Kildow, 33, entering the gym on crutches with a massive brace on her right knee, waving cheerfully despite the setback.
“Welcome to the Vonn rehab center,” Vonn captioned the clip, dubbing her sister “Patient #2 – torn ACL.” She even whoops excitedly as Kildow joins her, turning what could have been pure heartbreak into a moment of sibling solidarity and humor amid the pain.
Kildow had been by Vonn’s side in the hospital in Italy, helping through the initial aftermath of multiple surgeries—including a fasciotomy and other procedures to save her leg. Now, the roles are flipping as the sisters tackle rehab together. It’s unclear exactly how or when Kildow suffered the tear, but reports note it mirrors Vonn’s own pre-Olympics ACL injury (which she competed through before the crash).
Despite the double dose of bad luck, the Vonns are staying positive—Vonn has been documenting her progress, from wheelchair to eventual pull-ups, and this latest twist has fans rallying around their unbreakable bond and resilience. The skiing world’s toughest family is turning adversity into motivation, proving that even in the face of back-to-back injuries, they’re stronger together.
Sending all the healing vibes to Lindsey and Karin—what an inspiring duo! Who’s cheering for their full recoveries? ❤️💪
