Five-time Olympian Lindsey Vonn delivered a candid and heartfelt update from her hospital bed on Friday, revealing the grueling road ahead following her devastating crash during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old American skiing legend, who was airlifted from the Tofane course after tumbling just 13 seconds into her run on February 8, has already undergone three surgeries to address a complex tibia fracture in her left leg. In a video posted to Instagram and X, Vonn appeared hooked up to monitors with medical equipment beeping in the background, resting her head on a large stuffed shark pillow sent by supporters.
“Thank you so much to everyone sending me flowers, letters, and sharks,” she said with a smile, acknowledging the overwhelming support that has included visits from friends and family. “It’s been quite a hard few days in the hospital here. I’m finally feeling more like myself, but I have a long, long way to go.”
Vonn explained that she is scheduled for a fourth surgery on Saturday at Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where she has been receiving care since the incident. “Hopefully that goes well, and then I can potentially leave and go back home,” she continued. “At which point I will need another surgery. Still don’t know exactly what that entails yet until I get some better imaging, but that’s kind of where I am right now.”
The injury has left her “very much immobile,” but Vonn emphasized her gratitude toward the medical staff and the broader Alpine skiing community. She praised Team USA’s ongoing performances at the Games, shouting out, “Go Team USA! It’s been so great to watch and really lifted my spirits. So good job team, and keep crushing it.”
This latest message comes after Vonn shared on Wednesday that her third surgery was “successful,” noting that “success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago.” She remains optimistic about her recovery, even as the process stretches ahead with multiple procedures required to fully stabilize and repair the fracture.
Vonn’s crash ended what many saw as a storybook Olympic comeback attempt, following her return to competition after a serious ACL tear. Despite the setback, her resilience continues to inspire teammates and fans alike, with fellow U.S. skiers like Jacqueline Wiles and Paula Moltzan calling her a “role model” in the wake of the incident.
As Vonn prepares for her next operation and eventual return home, the skiing world rallies behind one of its most decorated athletes. Her journey from the slopes to recovery underscores the brutal risks of the sport—and the unbreakable spirit that defines champions like her.
