American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has announced she will undergo “multiple surgeries” following a tibia fracture sustained during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. The 41-year-old, however, refutes claims that her previously ruptured ACL contributed to the crash that abruptly ended her Olympic journey.
Vonn’s Olympic career came to a dramatic halt on Sunday when she crashed just 13 seconds into her downhill run. The 2010 Olympic downhill champion clipped a gate on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, leading to a fall that left spectators and fellow athletes in shock. She was airlifted to a hospital as the incident unfolded.
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Return and Injury
On Tuesday, Vonn took to social media to confirm her injuries. “Unfortunately, I sustained a complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly,” she stated, addressing her fans and the skiing community.
Vonn’s participation in the Games had already been a subject of debate. Just nine days before the Olympics, she ruptured the ACL in her right knee during the Crans Montana World Cup in Switzerland. Despite this significant injury, Vonn was determined to compete, aiming to crown her comeback with an Olympic medal.
“I was simply 5 inches too tight on my line when my right arm hooked inside of the gate, twisting me, and resulted in my crash,” Vonn explained. “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever.”
A Remarkable Comeback
Vonn retired in 2019 but made a stunning return to competitive skiing in 2025. Her comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as she clinched three World Cup victories and secured four additional podium finishes in downhill and Super G events. Entering the Milano Cortina Games, Vonn was ranked number one in downhill and third in Super G, making her a strong contender for Olympic glory.
Despite the setback in Italy, Vonn expressed no regrets about her decision to compete. “While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets,” she shared. “Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself.”
The Risks and Rewards of Ski Racing
Vonn’s crash highlights the inherent risks associated with ski racing, a sport known for its speed and danger. “It always was and always will be an incredibly dangerous sport,” Vonn acknowledged. Her words resonate with many athletes who understand the fine line between triumph and tragedy in high-stakes competitions.
Reflecting on her journey, Vonn drew parallels between skiing and life itself. “And similar to ski racing, we take risks in life. We dream. We love. We jump. And sometimes we fall. Sometimes our hearts are broken. Sometimes we don’t achieve the dreams we know we could have. But that is also the beauty of life; we can try,” she philosophized.
“I tried. I dreamt. I jumped,” Vonn concluded, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and determination that has defined her illustrious career.
Looking Ahead
As Vonn prepares for a challenging recovery period, the skiing world watches with admiration and anticipation. Her story serves as a testament to the perseverance and courage that athletes embody, even in the face of adversity. While her Olympic dreams may have been dashed this time, Vonn’s legacy as one of the greatest skiers in history remains unblemished.
As the Milano Cortina Games continue, Vonn’s journey offers a poignant reminder of the dedication and passion that drive athletes to push their limits, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.
