Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Fourth Surgery for Broken Leg, Plans Return to U.S.

The 41-year-old Olympic veteran says "the ride was worth the fall" after brutal crash at Winter Olympics in Italy.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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American skier Lindsey Vonn announced that her latest surgery for a broken left leg was successful, and that she has been cleared to return to the United States after the injury sustained in a crash during her opening downhill race at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, had come out of retirement to compete in the Milan Cortina Games despite rupturing her left ACL in a previous World Cup race.

Why it matters

Vonn's resilience and determination to compete at the highest level despite multiple serious injuries over her storied career have made her an inspiration to many. Her willingness to take risks and push her limits, even at the cost of crashes and setbacks, reflects the mindset of an elite athlete driven to achieve greatness.

The details

Vonn underwent four surgeries since her crash on February 8th, which occurred just seconds into her opening downhill race. She had said she would need at least two more procedures - the one on Saturday and another after returning to the U.S. Despite the severity of her injuries, Vonn reflected that she has "no regrets" about her decision to compete, stating "the ride was worth the fall" and that she looks forward to the day she can "stand on the top of the mountain once more."

  • Vonn crashed during her opening downhill race on February 8th.
  • She underwent her fourth surgery on February 14th.
  • Vonn plans to return to the United States after the latest procedure.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old Olympic veteran skier from Colorado who came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, despite a previous ACL injury.

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What they’re saying

“Surgery well well today!”

— Lindsey Vonn (Social media)

“I don't have regrets. The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don't have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Social media)

“I was willing to risk and push and sacrifice for something I knew I was absolutely capable of doing. I will always take the risk of crashing while giving it my all, rather than not ski to my potential and have regret.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Social media)

“Please, don't be sad. Empathy, love and support I welcome with an open heart, but please not sadness or sympathy. I hope instead it gives you strength to keep fighting, because that is what I am doing and that is what I will continue to do. Always.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Social media)

What’s next

Vonn plans to undergo a second surgery after returning to the United States.

The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's resilience and determination to compete at the highest level despite multiple serious injuries over her storied career have made her an inspiration to many. Her willingness to take risks and push her limits, even at the cost of crashes and setbacks, reflects the mindset of an elite athlete driven to achieve greatness.