Lindsey Vonn Reveals Leg Nearly Amputated After Crash

American skier says timely surgery saved her left leg from amputation following a frightening crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American skier, revealed that her left leg was nearly amputated after a terrifying crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture and developed compartment syndrome, which restricts blood flow and can lead to permanent injury. She credited the quick action of Dr. Tom Hackett, an orthopedic surgeon, for performing a lifesaving fasciotomy to save her leg.

Why it matters

Vonn's near-amputation highlights the serious risks and injuries that elite athletes face, especially in high-speed sports like downhill skiing. Her story also underscores the importance of having skilled medical professionals on hand to provide immediate, specialized treatment in the event of severe trauma.

The details

Vonn clipped a gate and went off course just 13 seconds into her women's downhill run at the Olympics, suffering a complex tibia fracture. The trauma also led to compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition where excessive pressure builds up inside a muscle, restricting blood flow. Dr. Hackett, who was on site because of Vonn's previous ACL tear, performed a lifesaving fasciotomy to relieve the pressure and 'let her leg breathe,' preventing amputation.

  • Vonn crashed during the women's downhill event on February 8, 2026.
  • Vonn was hospitalized for a week in Treviso, Italy, following the accident.
  • Vonn has been discharged from the hospital and is currently confined to a wheelchair, estimating it will take about a year for the bones in her left leg to heal.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old American skier who nearly lost her left leg after a crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

Dr. Tom Hackett

An orthopedic surgeon who works for Vonn and Team USA, and performed a lifesaving fasciotomy to save Vonn's leg.

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What they’re saying

“When you have so much trauma to one area of your body so that there's too much blood and it gets stuck and it basically crushes everything.”

— Lindsey Vonn

“He filleted it open (and) let it breathe, and he saved me.”

— Lindsey Vonn

What’s next

Vonn will focus on her rehabilitation and work towards being able to use crutches. It will take about a year for the bones in her left leg to heal, after which doctors will be able to repair her torn ACL.

The takeaway

Vonn's near-amputation serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme risks and life-threatening injuries that elite athletes can face, even in the midst of successful careers. Her story highlights the critical importance of having skilled medical professionals on hand to provide immediate, specialized treatment in the event of severe trauma.