Lindsey Vonn surveys the course ahead of the second official training session for the women’s downhill at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 6.
Vonn revealed she has undergone a third surgery since the devastating crash that ended her Winter Olympics comeback bid in Milan last Sunday. Writing on Instagram, the 41-year-old American alpine skier said her perspective on success has shifted in the days since the accident.
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful,” she shared alongside photos from her hospital bed. “Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok.”
She also expressed gratitude to the medical team, as well as to friends, family, and fans around the world for their support.
The three-time Olympic medalist, who had been attempting a return to the Games this year, crashed just 13 seconds into the downhill final on Sunday after catching a gate with her right arm, sending her tumbling down the slope.
Vonn later confirmed she sustained a complex but stable tibial fracture that would require multiple surgeries.
Remarkably, she had competed only days after rupturing her ACL on January 30 during a World Cup event in Crans-Montana — an injury that initially cast doubt over her Olympic participation.
Despite the setback, Vonn chose to compete in the Games, telling reporters before the race, “My head is high. I’m standing tall and I’m gonna do my best.” She had completed two training runs ahead of the final.
Following the crash, Vonn said she has no regrets about her decision to race, emphasizing that “my ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever.”
Lindsey Vonn is airlifted from the course after crashing during the women’s downhill alpine skiing race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday.
US skier Lindsey Vonn lies in a hospital bed after crashing during the women’s downhill in Treviso, Italy, in this image obtained from social media on Wednesday.
Lindsey Vonn/Instagram/Reuters
In the photo she shared on Instagram, Vonn’s left leg is fitted with an external fixator — a stabilizing frame attached outside the leg to hold fractured bone fragments in place.
“Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world,” she wrote. She also congratulated her teammates “who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”
Vonn’s recovery is expected to be lengthy. Tibial fractures can take several months to heal and often require additional procedures. Her recent ACL injury could further extend the rehabilitation process, an expert previously told CNN.
The 41-year-old is the oldest alpine skier to compete at a Winter Olympics. She first qualified for the Games in 2002 at age 17 and has endured numerous physical setbacks over her three-decade career, including multiple knee injuries and surgeries.
“I’m a little bit crazy, but I’m accepting of that,” she said in October. “I’m willing to risk everything. That’s why I’ve won as many times as I have in downhill. It takes a certain level of courage and willingness to throw yourself down the mountain.”
