Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn is back in the United States and recovering after sustaining a complex leg injury during the women’s downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 8th. The 41-year-old has revealed she has been unable to stand since the crash, marking a significant setback in her remarkable comeback to the sport.
Vonn’s Olympic dream ended abruptly with a fall during the downhill event. This occurred just weeks after she suffered a torn ACL in a separate incident at Crans Montana, highlighting a challenging period for the veteran skier. The injury in Cortina d’Ampezzo has been described as a complicated leg injury, requiring immediate medical attention.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vonn provided an update on her condition and expressed gratitude for the care she received in Italy. “I haven’t been on my feet for over a week. I’ve been bedridden in the hospital since the race. Although I can’t stand yet, it feels amazing to be back on home soil,” she wrote. She also extended a thank you to everyone in Italy for their support during her initial treatment.
Vonn’s return to competition in December 2024, after a hiatus since 2019, had been a source of inspiration for fans. Prior to the Olympics, she achieved several top finishes on the World Cup circuit, including two victories, demonstrating her continued competitiveness. The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represented a significant goal for Vonn, but the crash dashed her hopes of adding to her Olympic medal collection, which includes a gold medal in downhill from the 2010 Vancouver Games.
The injury has prompted discussion about Vonn’s decision to compete so soon after her ACL tear. Former Italian ski racer Alberto Tomba suggested Vonn should not have raced at Crans-Montana, raising questions about the risks associated with returning to high-level competition after a major injury. Reuters reported on Tomba’s comments, adding another layer to the narrative surrounding Vonn’s recent setbacks.
Vonn underwent a third surgery on her broken leg, which she described as “successful” in a recent update. The Japan Times detailed her positive outlook following the procedure. She also shared a graphic photo of her leg after the surgery on social media, providing a glimpse into the extent of her injury. The Big Lead reported on the image and her update.
Prior to the crash, Vonn was in stable condition after two operations on her broken left leg following the initial incident in the Olympic final, CNN reported at the time.
As Vonn begins her recovery process back in the United States, the focus shifts to her rehabilitation and potential return to competition. While the immediate future remains uncertain, her determination and resilience are well-documented throughout her career. The skiing world will be watching closely as she navigates this latest challenge.
The next steps for Vonn will involve intensive physical therapy and a careful evaluation of her leg’s healing progress. Her team will determine a timeline for a potential return to training, but for now, the priority is a full recovery. Fans and fellow athletes alike have expressed their support for Vonn, wishing her a speedy and complete recovery.
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