In her first powerful words since the devastating crash that ended her 2026 Olympic run just 13 seconds in, U.S. skiing icon Lindsey Vonn declared she has zero regrets about competing—despite a torn ACL only days prior—and is now stable following surgery on a serious left leg injury. The 41-year-old legend’s raw honesty and fighter mentality have ignited an outpouring of love, prayers, and inspiration worldwide as she begins a tough but determined road to recovery.
The heart-stopping moment unfolded on February 8 during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Vonn, in her inspiring comeback after an eight-year retirement, hooked her right arm on a gate, lost control, and tumbled violently. Airlifted by helicopter to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, she underwent an initial orthopedic surgery to stabilize a fracture in her left leg—the same one impacted by her recent ACL rupture from a January 30 World Cup crash in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Hospital and U.S. Ski & Snowboard updates confirm she is in stable condition after two operations (the second to manage swelling and ensure proper blood flow). In her emotional Instagram post on February 9, Vonn revealed the injury as a “complex tibia fracture” that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to repair fully. Crucially, she stressed: “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever. I was simply 5 inches too tight on my line… While yesterday did not go as planned… I have no regrets.”
Vonn’s courage—pushing through intense rehab, pool workouts, weight lifting, and plyometrics to race despite the fresh ACL tear, meniscus damage, and bone bruising—has drawn massive admiration. Teammates like gold medalist Breezy Johnson called the emotional toll “heartbreaking” but praised her warrior spirit, while Norway’s Kajsa Vickhoff Lie hailed her as an “idol” for going “all or nothing.” ISF president Johan Eliasch labeled the crash “tragic” yet thanked Vonn for putting skiing in the spotlight positively, wishing her a speedy return.
As she shifts to rehabilitation under expert care from American and Italian physicians, the focus is on her resilience: rest, therapy, and gradual rebuilding. Fans, fellow athletes, and the global community continue flooding social media with support, celebrating her legacy as a three-time Olympic medalist and one of the sport’s greatest.
Lindsey, your unbreakable spirit has already won hearts everywhere—no regrets, just pure inspiration. Sending you endless strength, love, and positive energy for the surgeries and recovery ahead. You’ve proven time and again you’re unstoppable. Keep fighting, champion—we’re all with you! 🇺🇸❤️🙏
