U.S. Alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn delivered an inspiring update from her hospital bed on Saturday, announcing that her most recent surgery “went well” and confirming she is now cleared to return home to the United States to continue her recovery from a severe leg injury sustained at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old three-time Olympic medalist crashed dramatically just 13 seconds into her women’s downhill run on February 8, suffering a complex tibia fracture in her left leg after hooking a gate. Despite entering the Games with a recently ruptured ACL in the same leg, Vonn has undergone multiple surgeries in Treviso, Italy—reports indicating this latest procedure marks her fourth—while sharing candid, resilient messages with fans via Instagram.
In her latest post, accompanied by footage of her past triumphs on the slopes, Vonn expressed gratitude for the progress while firmly rejecting pity. “Please, don’t be sad,” she wrote. “Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy. I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.”
Reflecting on the high-risk decision to compete, Vonn emphasized her mental and physical readiness at the start gate. “I chose to take a risk… I was willing to risk and push and sacrifice for something I knew I was absolutely capable of doing,” she explained. “I will always take the risk of crashing while giving it my all, rather than not ski to my potential and have regret. I never want to cross the finish line and say, ‘what if?'”
She described being “stronger physically” than in recent years and “mentally… perfect—clear, focused, hungry, aggressive yet completely calm.” Acknowledging the mountain’s unpredictability, Vonn added: “The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”
Vonn’s crash has resonated deeply across the sporting world, with fellow athletes like snowboard legend Shaun White sending messages of encouragement. While her immediate Olympic comeback has ended, the update signals a positive step forward in what promises to be a lengthy rehabilitation process, including potential additional procedures stateside.
As the Milano Cortina Games continue, Vonn’s unwavering spirit and no-regrets philosophy serve as a powerful reminder of the passion that drives elite athletes—even in the face of adversity. Fans and the skiing community worldwide continue to rally behind one of the sport’s all-time greats.
