Doctors saved Lindsey Vonn’s leg after a nightmare crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Now, she’s working to save her dream of one day returning to the mountain.
The skiing superstar credits surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett with preventing amputation after compartment syndrome developed following her high-speed fall in Cortina. The complex tibia fracture and other injuries required five surgeries and left her largely bedridden for weeks.
Yet Vonn’s recovery has moved faster than many expected. In mid-March she shared a joyful video of herself back on a stationary bike for the first time, starting with just five minutes. Days later came more gym work, including impressive upper-body exercises.
By late March, she posted footage of herself taking steps in rehab, captioning it with a message of resilience: “No matter how hard I get knocked down I will always find a way to get back up!”
Vonn returned home to Park City in early March and has been open about both the physical pain and mental challenges of the process. In her Vanity Fair cover story, she detailed the excruciating moments after the crash while also expressing pride in what she accomplished before it — leading the downhill standings and pushing through a recent ACL tear to compete at her fifth Olympics.
She has no regrets about taking the risk. “I have no regrets,” Vonn has stated multiple times.
While full competitive skiing is still a long way off, her rapid progress — from near-amputation to biking, strength training, and walking — has shocked and inspired fans worldwide. Celebrities and athletes have sent messages of support, many of which Vonn has shared publicly.
Her story is far from over. As Vonn continues putting in the hard work of recovery, she’s not just saving her leg — she may still be saving one more incredible chapter in an already legendary career.
