Lindsey Vonn undergoes multiple surgeries after Olympic downhill crash

U.S. alpine skier Lindsey Vonn crashed during the women's downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on February 8, 2026, suffering a compound fracture of her leg.

Vonn, who retired in September 2019 after a career with 82 FIS Alpine World Cup victories—the women's record until surpassed by Mikaela Shiffrin—returned to competition nearly six years later and qualified for the U.S. Olympic team.[1][2]

The 41-year-old skier had ruptured her ACL one week prior to the Games, which run from February 6 to 22, 2026. The downhill was held on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo.[3][4]

Following the fall, in which her skis failed to release, Vonn underwent five surgeries to prevent leg amputation, including a nearly six-hour procedure involving plates and screws. She also required a blood transfusion due to substantial blood loss.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Vonn expressed uncertainty about her future: "I don’t like to close the door on anything, because you just never know what’s going to happen. It’s hard to tell with this injury. It’s so f---ed up."

She described her run lasting 13 seconds and called it a "horrible last run" if it marked the end of her career. Vonn currently focuses on extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy and hyperbaric chamber sessions.

Vonn's achievements include Olympic gold in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, bronze in super combined that year, and downhill bronze in 2018 PyeongChang, along with two World Championship golds in 2009 and 2011.[1][5]