Milan — Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier, has expressed a resolute lack of regret following a crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, that resulted in a broken leg and will require multiple surgeries. The 41-year-old Vonn, who came out of retirement to compete, sustained a complex tibia fracture during a downhill race on Sunday, February 8th, 2026.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Monday, February 9th, 2026, Vonn addressed the incident and her decision to compete despite a recent ACL rupture. “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever,” she wrote. “I was simply 5 inches too tight on my line when my right arm hooked inside of the gate, twisting me and resulted in my crash.”
The crash occurred just seconds into her downhill run, after Vonn appeared to clip a flag marking the course. She was airlifted off the Olimpia delle Tofane piste and initially treated at the Codivilla Polyclinic before being transferred to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso for orthopedic surgery. Hospital officials confirmed the fracture is currently stable but will necessitate multiple surgical interventions for proper healing.
Despite the painful outcome, Vonn remained defiant. “While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets,” she stated. “Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself. I also knew that racing was a risk. It always was and always will be an incredibly dangerous sport.”
The incident adds another layer to Vonn’s already remarkable story of perseverance. She had previously undergone extensive rehabilitation on a rebuilt right knee and was competing with a compromised left knee when the crash occurred. Prior to Sunday’s race, Vonn had fully ruptured her left ACL during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps just a week earlier, yet she remained determined to compete at the Olympics, utilizing a knee brace for support.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard team acknowledged the inherent risks of the sport. Anouk Patty, chief of sport for the team, stated, “She’ll be OK, but it’s going to be a bit of a process. This sport’s brutal and people need to remember when they’re watching, these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain and going really, really fast.”
Vonn’s Olympic journey, though cut short by injury, has resonated with many. British sports commentator Dan Walker posted a lengthy message of support on social media, which Vonn acknowledged with a simple “Thank you.” The outpouring of support highlights Vonn’s enduring popularity and the respect she commands within the sporting world.
The crash occurred after Vonn lost control and flew sideways in the air, ultimately hitting her head on the ground. She was responsive at the scene but required immediate medical attention and evacuation via stretcher. Team USA reported that Vonn’s right ski pole snagged a gate, causing her to lose balance and control.
This latest injury marks another significant setback in Vonn’s career, which has been punctuated by both triumphs and adversity. Her decision to return to competition at age 41, after years of battling injuries, demonstrated her unwavering passion for skiing and her determination to challenge herself on the world stage. While her 2026 Olympic experience didn’t unfold as planned, Vonn’s courage and resilience continue to inspire.
Vonn is currently recovering at Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where she is being cared for by a multidisciplinary team of American and Italian physicians. The timeline for her full recovery remains uncertain, but she is expected to undergo multiple surgeries to address the complex tibia fracture.
