Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has been discharged from Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso and is en route to the airport for her return flight to the United States, sources close to the matter confirmed Sunday. The 41-year-old Olympic champion, who suffered a horrific crash during the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, underwent multiple surgeries—including a successful fourth procedure—to repair a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.
The terrifying incident unfolded just 13 seconds into her run last weekend when Vonn hooked a gate, leading to a violent, airborne tumble down the Dolomite slopes. She was immediately airlifted for emergency care, shocking fans worldwide who had tuned in to watch her bold comeback attempt despite a pre-existing torn ACL in her left knee and a partial titanium replacement in her right.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association CEO Sophie Goldschmidt told the Associated Press that the team’s medical staff has been overseeing her recovery and plans to accompany her home, where additional surgeries await. “She’s not in pain. She’s in stable condition,” Goldschmidt said, praising Vonn’s resilience and noting the incident highlights the extreme risks—and superhuman dedication—of elite alpine athletes.
In a heartfelt Instagram post following her latest surgery, Vonn reflected with zero regrets: “I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk. Every skier in that starting gate took the same risk… Nothing in life is guaranteed. That’s the gamble of chasing your dreams—you might fall, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
Vonn emphasized her mental and physical peak leading into the Games, describing herself as “clear, focused, hungry, aggressive yet completely calm.” While the injury marks a setback, she remains defiant about her passion for the sport and looks forward to standing atop a mountain again.
The crash has amplified Vonn’s legacy as a role model, with Goldschmidt noting, “You learn often more about people during these tough moments than when they’re winning.” As Vonn heads stateside for continued treatment, the skiing world rallies behind her recovery.
Stay tuned for more updates on one of alpine skiing’s greatest icons.
