Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn provided an update on her condition through social media after undergoing a third surgery following a serious crash that shattered her Olympic aspirations at Milan-Cortina. The 41-year-old American sustained a leg injury during the Milan Cortina Games, leading to her swift evacuation to a medical facility after a significant accident, occurring shortly after she had torn her ACL.
During the women’s downhill event, Vonn, representing Team USA, collided with a gate, losing her balance and tumbling down the slope within just 13 seconds of her run. She received immediate on-site treatment before being airlifted to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Vonn shared, “I underwent my 3rd surgery today, which was successful. The concept of success has taken on a whole new dimension for me compared to a few days ago. Progress is being made, albeit gradual, and I am confident in my recovery. I am grateful for the exceptional medical staff, my supportive friends and family, and the overwhelming outpouring of love and encouragement from people worldwide.”
She also expressed her admiration for her teammates and fellow Team USA athletes, who serve as sources of inspiration during her challenging period. It was later confirmed that Vonn would require multiple surgical procedures to address her leg injury, with the recent surgery being the third. While facing an extensive recovery period, there is potential for her to return to competitive skiing within a year.
Notably, fellow skier Federica Brignone, who faced severe leg fractures and an anterior cruciate ligament tear during the 2025 Italian Championships last April, made a comeback within a mere 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on Cortina’s Olympia piste.
Andrea Panzeri, the head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, emphasized the complexity of Vonn’s fracture and its potential impact on her career trajectory. However, he cited Brignone’s successful recovery from a similarly challenging injury as a positive precedent.
Orthopedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna from Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre highlighted the significance of age in recovery rates, noting that despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes, older individuals often experience slower healing processes. Motivation and mental attitude also play crucial roles in the recovery journey, with potential risks of early onset arthritis and associated joint issues.
Vonn’s history of prior injuries to the same leg, including a partial knee implant, may factor into her recovery timeline. Amid uncertainties about her rehabilitation, her determination and medical support will be pivotal in her path back to competitive skiing.