Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Surgery After Olympic Crash

The celebrated American skier faces another setback in her storied career.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American skier, has undergone her third surgery following a crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The incident occurred despite a recently torn ACL, highlighting the incredible dedication and inherent risks faced by elite athletes. Vonn's athletic journey has been consistently tested by physical setbacks, including past ACL and MCL tears, fractured legs, and even a knee replacement in 2024. This latest injury, a complex tibia fracture, has prompted her father to suggest retirement, but Vonn's unwavering spirit suggests a different outcome may not be out of the question.

Why it matters

Vonn's pursuit of becoming the oldest alpine skier to win an Olympic medal underscores a growing trend of athletes extending their careers well beyond traditional retirement ages. This requires increasingly sophisticated recovery methods and a deeper understanding of the aging athlete's body, as the risks are amplified. Vonn's story raises important questions about the future of athlete longevity and the role of technology in injury prevention.

The details

Vonn underwent her third surgery on Wednesday to stabilize the complex tibia fracture, marking another chapter in a career punctuated by both triumph and injury. From a 2013 crash resulting in ACL and MCL tears and a fractured leg, to subsequent injuries including ankle fractures and further knee damage in 2015 and 2018, her story is one of repeated rehabilitation. The fact that Vonn even considered competing with a torn ACL speaks to the advancements in sports medicine, as knee braces and surgical techniques have improved significantly, allowing athletes to return to competition sooner and with greater stability. However, the risks remain, as evidenced by Vonn's recent crash and the severity of her injuries.

  • Vonn underwent her third surgery on Wednesday (February 13, 2026).
  • Vonn announced her retirement in 2019 but later made a comeback to skiing.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A celebrated American skier who has faced numerous injuries throughout her storied career.

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The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience. As she embarks on yet another recovery journey, her experience will undoubtedly contribute to a greater understanding of athlete longevity and the evolving landscape of sports medicine.