Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn recently provided an update on her condition after undergoing her third surgery following a crash that dashed her Olympic aspirations at Milan‑Cortina. The 41-year-old American sustained a leg injury during the games, leading to her swift evacuation to a hospital due to a severe accident, shortly after tearing her ACL.
During the women’s downhill event, Vonn, a member of Team USA, collided with a gate, causing her to lose control and collide with the slope just 13 seconds into her run. Following the incident, she received immediate medical attention before being airlifted for further treatment.
In a recent Instagram post, Vonn expressed gratitude for the successful outcome of her third surgery, emphasizing the newfound significance of progress in her recovery journey. She acknowledged the unwavering support from medical professionals, loved ones, and the global community during this challenging period, while also commending her teammates and fellow Team USA athletes for their inspiring performances.
It was later disclosed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to address her leg injury, with the third surgery now completed. Although a prolonged recovery period lies ahead, there is optimism that she may return to the slopes within a year.
Notably, fellow skier Federica Brignone, who encountered severe leg fractures and an ACL tear at the 2025 Italian Championships, made a remarkable comeback after just 10 months, competing alongside Vonn at Cortina’s Olympia piste.
Medical experts, including Andrea Panzeri, emphasized the complexity of Vonn’s fracture and the potential impact on her career trajectory, highlighting the importance of successful recoveries like Brignone’s in similar circumstances.
Orthopaedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna underscored the challenges of recovery, particularly for older individuals like Vonn, stressing the critical role of motivation and mindset in the rehabilitation process. Concerns regarding potential early onset arthritis and its implications on joint health were also noted, especially considering Vonn’s history of leg injuries and prior knee interventions.
As Vonn navigates her recovery journey, the support and encouragement from her fans and the wider sports community remain pivotal in her quest to overcome this setback and potentially return to competitive skiing.