Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn provided an update on her health status through social media following her third surgery post a serious crash at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn, aged 41, sustained a broken leg during the event and had to be airlifted to a hospital after the accident, which occurred shortly after she tore her ACL.
The Team USA athlete, Vonn, collided with a gate, lost her balance, and tumbled down the slope only 13 seconds into her women’s downhill run. Following the crash, she received immediate care on-site before being transported by helicopter to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
Taking to Instagram on a Wednesday evening, Vonn shared, “I underwent my 3rd surgery today, and it was a success. The definition of success has evolved significantly for me over the past few days. Progress is being made, albeit slowly, but I am optimistic about my recovery. Grateful for the exceptional medical team, as well as the unwavering support from friends, family, and the global community.”
Expressing admiration for her fellow athletes, Vonn congratulated her teammates and all the inspiring Team USA competitors. It was later confirmed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to address her leg injury, with the recent procedure marking the third one. While a lengthy recovery period lies ahead, there is a possibility that she could return to skiing within a year.
Federica Brignone, another skier who faced severe leg fractures and a torn ACL at the 2025 Italian Championships, made a remarkable comeback after just 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on the same course in Cortina.
Discussing the complexity of Vonn’s injury, Andrea Panzeri, head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, highlighted that while the fracture could potentially impact an athlete’s career, successful recoveries are feasible, citing Brignone’s case as an example.
Orthopedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna remarked on the challenges of recovery, emphasizing that age can influence the healing process, even with Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes. He noted the potential risks of early arthritis development, affecting joint function and causing discomfort over time.
Vonn’s previous leg injuries, including a partial knee implant, may influence her recovery timeline. For more news updates and sports content, follow us on Facebook.