American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn remains hospitalized in Italy but is progressing in her recovery from a devastating crash during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, expressing hope to return home following an upcoming procedure.
In a heartfelt video update posted to Instagram on Friday, the 41-year-old Vonn thanked supporters for an outpouring of gifts—including flowers, letters, and even a shark pillow she used for comfort—while acknowledging the challenges of her hospital stay.
“It’s been quite a hard few days in the hospital here,” Vonn said. “I’m finally feeling more like myself. I have a long, long way to go. Tomorrow I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well and then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point I will need another surgery.”
The procedure scheduled for Saturday would mark her fourth surgery since the incident. Vonn, treated at a hospital in Treviso, noted that details of the final operation remain unclear pending improved imaging. She also pointed out a fading bruise under her eye as a visible sign of her ordeal.
The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run on February 8, when Vonn clipped a gate, lost control, and tumbled violently down the slope. Airlifted from the course, she was diagnosed with a complex tibia fracture in her left leg, described as stable but requiring multiple interventions.
Compounding the injury, Vonn had ruptured the ACL in her left knee only nine days earlier during training. Despite these setbacks, the three-time Olympic medalist had captured global attention as a compelling comeback story after retiring nearly six years prior.
Vonn remains largely immobile but buoyed by visits from friends and family. She praised the ongoing performances of Team USA athletes, saying their success has lifted her spirits.
“I feel very lucky and fortunate to have so many people around me that have really helped me get through this,” she added. “So I just wanted to say thank you and go Team USA. It’s so great to watch and really lifted my spirits. Good job, team, and keep crushing it.”
Vonn’s resilience continues to inspire fans as she faces a prolonged rehabilitation ahead.
