Olympic skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn shared a vulnerable moment from her grueling recovery, revealing she recently “broke down” amid the physical and emotional toll of her horrific crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics—but found solace in a heartfelt reunion with her beloved dog, Chance.
In a touching Instagram video posted recently, the 41-year-old captured the tender moment of being reunited with her pup after weeks in hospitals following her devastating February 8 fall during the women’s downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Just 13 seconds into her run—already racing on a torn ACL—Vonn clipped a gate, leading to a violent tumble that shattered her left tibia, fibula head, and tibial plateau, triggered compartment syndrome, and fractured her right ankle.
The former World Cup champion underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including a critical fasciotomy by Team USA orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett to relieve life-threatening pressure and prevent amputation. After nearly two weeks immobile in an Italian hospital, low hemoglobin from blood loss, and a fifth procedure stateside, Vonn was finally discharged and returned home via private flight, though still wheelchair-bound and unable to stand.
In her latest update, Vonn admitted the mental strain has been overwhelming. “I broke down earlier this week,” she wrote in the caption alongside footage of Chance showering her with affection as she scratched his back, both smiling through the hardship. “But moments like this help me so much. One day at a time.”
The emotional post comes amid a series of raw updates where Vonn has described the injury as “by far the most extreme, painful and challenging” of her career—”times one hundred”—and acknowledged the “dark” mental battle that hit “like a ton of bricks.” Despite the setbacks ending her Olympic comeback and ski season, she continues to emphasize resilience, gratitude for her medical team, and no regrets about chasing her dream.
Fans have flooded her with support, with even global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo urging her to “keep fighting.” As Vonn navigates intensive rehab, potential future surgeries, and the psychological weight of a career-altering injury, her candid sharing of both lows and small victories—especially the simple joy of being home with Chance—has struck a chord, reminding the world of the human side behind the champion.
Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist and one of alpine skiing’s greatest-ever athletes, remains determined: the road is long, but she’s taking it step by step, one emotional, hopeful moment at a time.
