Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn provided an update on her health status through social media after undergoing her third surgery post a traumatic accident that shattered her Olympic aspirations at Milan‑Cortina. Vonn, 41, sustained a leg fracture during the Milan Cortina Games, necessitating immediate hospitalization via airlift following a severe crash shortly after tearing her ACL.
In the women’s downhill event, Vonn, representing Team USA, collided with a gate, leading to a loss of balance and a subsequent fall on the slope merely 13 seconds into her run. Following initial on-site treatment, she was swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility for further care.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening, Vonn expressed, “I underwent my third surgery today, and it was a success. The meaning of success has evolved significantly for me compared to a few days back. Progress is being made, albeit slowly, but I am optimistic about my recovery. I extend my gratitude to the exceptional medical teams, my friends, family, and the overwhelming love and support from people worldwide.”
She also congratulated her teammates and all Team USA athletes for being a source of inspiration and motivation during her challenging time. It was later confirmed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to mend her leg, with the recent procedure being the third. Although a prolonged recovery period lies ahead, there is a possibility that Vonn might return to skiing within a year.
Notably, fellow skier Federica Brignone, who endured various leg fractures and a torn ACL during the 2025 Italian Championships last April, made a remarkable comeback after a mere 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on Cortina’s Olympia piste.
Andrea Panzeri, the head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, emphasized the complexity of Vonn’s fracture, which could potentially impact her athletic career. Nonetheless, citing Brignone’s successful recovery from a similar injury, Panzeri highlighted the prospects for Vonn’s recuperation.
Meanwhile, orthopaedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna from Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre noted that advanced age could influence the pace of recovery, despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes. Calanna stressed the importance of motivation and mental attitude in the recovery process, mentioning the potential risks of early arthritis development that could lead to joint issues in the future.
However, Vonn’s history of prior leg injuries, including a partial knee implant, may impact the duration of her recovery.