Lindsey Vonn Focuses on Saving Her Leg After Olympic Crash, Says French Surgeon
After suffering a serious tibia fracture in a frightening crash during the Milan-Cortina Olympic women’s downhill, decorated skier Lindsey Vonn faces multiple surgeries, with her top priority now simply saving her leg.
Orthopedic knee specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet told France’s RMC Sport that Vonn should focus on avoiding amputation.
“The timeline is quite unpredictable. It will be months before she can walk normally again,” Sonnery-Cottet said.
“Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk. Returning to high-level skiing isn’t the focus yet, and some injuries like hers can end in amputation.”
The surgeon also warned that Vonn could face long-term challenges with the injured limb.
Lindsey Vonn Shares Hospital Photo After Olympic Crash, Surgeons Warn of Serious Leg Injury
On Feb. 11, 2026, Lindsey Vonn posted a photo from her hospital bed in Italy, revealing the severity of the injuries she sustained in her Milan-Cortina Olympic crash.
Orthopedic experts say the image highlights the ongoing challenges in her recovery. Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet explained that, although Vonn’s surgeries were successful, the “external fixator”—the large pin in her left leg—shows her fracture hasn’t been fully repaired.
Lindsey Vonn Hospitalized After Olympic Crash; Father Says Injury Could End Skiing Career
U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn was photographed in a hospital bed in Treviso, Italy, on February 11, 2026, following a crash during the Women’s Downhill at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Medical experts say the crash caused a severe, comminuted fracture, possibly involving damage to skin, nerves, or muscles, which increases the seriousness of her injury.
Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, told the Associated Press that if he has a say in her decision, this would mark the end of her competitive skiing career.
“There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it,” he said.
Vonn had returned from retirement in 2024 to train for the 2026 Olympics and appeared ready for a podium finish. However, she suffered a complete rupture of her ACL in her left knee more than a week before the women’s downhill.
Importantly, the ACL injury did not cause her crash. She went into a gate too early and clipped it with her right arm just 13 seconds into the race.
Lindsey Vonn Posts Update After Olympic Downhill Crash, Three Surgeries Completed
United States skier Lindsey Vonn crashed into a gate during the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 8, 2026.
In an Instagram post, Vonn shared her progress following her third surgery:
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. 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. 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. Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”
Vonn had been aiming for her fourth Olympic medal in Cortina, where she has also won 12 World Cup titles. Her previous Olympic success includes a women’s downhill gold and a super-G bronze in 2010, as well as a women’s downhill bronze in 2018.
