Lindsey Vonn’s Recovery Journey After Olympic Crash

MILAN – Following a significant crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn updated her fans on her recovery progress through social media. In an Instagram post, Vonn shared that she had undergone her third surgery and it was successful, denoting a shifted perspective on success due to recent events. “I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be OK,” she expressed.

Vonn, aged 41, was competing in the Alpine women’s downhill event last Sunday when an unfortunate collision with a pole led to a severe crash, leaving her in visible pain before being airlifted from the course. A photo accompanying her post showed her left leg secured in an external fixator, a device designed to stabilize injuries such as hers. Dedicated to Olympic participation, Vonn competed despite having a torn ACL from a previous World Cup event earlier this year.

“Thankful for all the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and for the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,”

Vonn wrote, acknowledging the overwhelming support she received. She also extended her congratulations to her teammates and Team USA athletes, emphasizing her appreciation.

Over her illustrious career, Vonn has achieved remarkable success. With 84 World Cup victories, she trails only behind fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin in all-time wins. Vonn’s Olympic journey has also been significant, as she has secured three medals, including a gold. Her career has, however, been interspersed with injuries which have sometimes limited her participation in the sport.

Past injuries include a major crash in 2013 where she tore her ACL and MCL in her right knee, as well as fractured her leg. The following year she couldn’t compete in the Winter Olympics due to reinjury of her ACL. Further injuries such as a broken ankle in 2015, several cracks in her left knee, and a significant LCL tear in 2018 culminated in her retirement announcement in 2019. A knee replacement surgery followed in 2024, but Vonn has since returned to skiing.

With her recent injury, Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, suggested that this could signify the end of her competitive career, noting, “She’s 41 years old, and this is the end of her career. There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn as long as I have anything to say about it.”

Rohan Nadkarni, a sports reporter for NBC News, provided this update on Vonn’s situation.