Lindsey Vonn's Sister Reveals 'Rough' Health Update on Olympic Skier

Karin Kildow provides an update on Vonn's recovery after her horrific crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Lindsey Vonn's sister, Karin Kildow, recently spoke to TMZ about the Olympic skier's condition following her severe injury at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, Italy. Kildow described Vonn's recovery as 'rough', stating that she has undergone 'a lot of surgeries' after sustaining a tibia fracture in a dramatic crash during the women's downhill event. Vonn has not yet decided whether this latest injury will mark the end of her racing career.

Why it matters

Lindsey Vonn is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, with multiple Olympic medals and World Cup titles. Her injury at the 2026 Winter Games has raised concerns about the long-term impact on her health and the possibility of her retiring from the sport she has dominated for over a decade.

The details

Vonn was airlifted from the course in Cortina after crashing during the women's downhill event. She spent several days in an Italian hospital before returning to the United States. Karin Kildow, Vonn's sister, provided an update on her condition, stating that she has been 'in the hospital a lot' and that there are 'a lot of surgeries and things' ahead in her recovery.

  • Vonn sustained the tibia fracture in an early crash during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.
  • Vonn spent several days in an Italian hospital after her crash before returning to the United States.
  • Karin Kildow provided the 'rough' health update on her sister Lindsey Vonn on Saturday at Los Angeles International Airport.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A decorated American alpine skier who has won multiple Olympic medals and World Cup titles. She sustained a severe injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.

Karin Kildow

Lindsey Vonn's sister, who provided an update on Vonn's recovery from her recent injury.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot.”

— Karin Kildow, Lindsey Vonn's sister (TMZ)

“Just one day at a time. She's super strong, but there's a lot of surgeries and things.”

— Karin Kildow, Lindsey Vonn's sister (TMZ)

“Haven't stood on my feet in over a week … been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I'm not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing.”

— Lindsey Vonn (X)

What’s next

Vonn has not yet decided whether her latest injury will bring an end to her racing career, leaving some critics stunned by the idea of her continuing to put her body at risk.

The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics has raised concerns about the long-term impact on her health and the possibility of her retiring from the sport she has dominated for over a decade. Her sister's 'rough' assessment of her recovery highlights the challenges Vonn faces as she determines whether to continue her storied career.