American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, 41, returned to the United States on Sunday following a horrific crash in the women’s Olympic downhill event, where she sustained a complex tibia fracture in her left leg.
The three-time Olympic medalist was airlifted off the course after a terrifying head-over-heels tumble just seconds into her run, leaving spectators and officials in stunned silence. US Ski and Snowboard Association CEO Sophie Goldschmidt, who witnessed the incident, described the impact as shocking: “The silence… everyone was just in shock. You could tell it was a really nasty injury.”
Vonn has already undergone multiple surgeries in Italy to address the fracture, with additional procedures planned stateside. “We’re working through all of that at the moment,” Goldschmidt told the Associated Press. “We’ve got a great team around helping her and she’ll go back to the US for further surgeries.”
Despite the setback, Vonn remains defiant and regret-free. In a poignant Instagram post, she reflected on the risks inherent in her sport: “When I think back on my crash, I didn’t stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a 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.”
Goldschmidt, who visited Vonn twice in the hospital, noted the skier’s stable condition and lack of pain, praising her resilience: “She took an aggressive line and was all in… What she’s done for our sport, her being a role model, has gone to a whole new level. You learn often more about people during these tough moments than when they’re winning.”
Vonn’s comeback attempt at age 41—following a recent ACL rupture and years away from competition—captivated fans worldwide. Though the dream ended in heartbreak, her courage has elevated her legacy as one of alpine skiing’s greatest ambassadors.
This marks what many believe could be the final chapter in Vonn’s storied career, though her unbreakable spirit suggests she will continue inspiring beyond the slopes.
