Lindsey Vonn Set for Further Surgeries After Crash at Olympics

The American skier will return to the U.S. for additional medical procedures after suffering a major leg injury at the 2026 Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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American skier Lindsey Vonn, 41, will soon be returning to the United States after undergoing four surgeries in the past week to address a major tibia fracture in her left leg sustained in a terrifying crash during the Olympic downhill event in Milan Cortina. Vonn had previously torn her ACL leading up to the Games but decided to compete anyway, only to wipe out 13.4 seconds into her run. She was airlifted off the course and has been recovering in Italy, but is now cleared to fly back home for further medical treatment.

Why it matters

Vonn's crash and subsequent injuries highlight the immense physical toll and risks that elite winter sports athletes face, especially as they reach the latter stages of their careers. Her decision to compete despite the pre-existing ACL tear also raises questions about the balance between athletic ambition and personal safety. Vonn's resilience and positive attitude in the face of this setback have also solidified her status as a role model for aspiring skiers and athletes.

The details

In the lead-up to the Feb. 8 Olympic downhill event, Vonn tore the ACL in her left knee but decided to move forward with her Olympic hopes anyway. During her run, she got hooked on a gate 13.4 seconds in, sending her tumbling down the mountain. Vonn was airlifted off the course and has since undergone four surgeries in the past week to address a major tibia fracture in her left leg. She has now been cleared to return to the U.S. for further medical treatment and recovery.

  • On Feb. 8, 2026, Vonn crashed during the Olympic downhill event.
  • Over the past week, Vonn has undergone four surgeries to address her leg injury.
  • On Feb. 15, 2026, Vonn was cleared to fly back to the U.S. for additional medical care.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old American skier who is a four-time Olympian and 2010 gold medalist.

Sophie Goldschmidt

The president and CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, who has visited Vonn in the hospital and praised her resilience.

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What they’re saying

“Surgery went well today! Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US! Once I'm back I will give you more updates and info about my injury.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Instagram)

“We've got a great team around helping her, and she'll go back to the U.S. for further surgeries.”

— Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (Associated Press)

“She took an aggressive line and was all in and it was inches off what could have ended up a very different way. But what she's done for our sports and the sport in general, her being a role model, has gone to a whole new level. You learn often more about people during these tough moments than when they're winning.”

— Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Vonn's crash and subsequent injuries underscore the immense physical toll and risks that elite winter sports athletes face, especially as they reach the latter stages of their careers. Her resilience and positive attitude in the face of this setback have solidified her status as a role model for aspiring skiers and athletes.