Lindsey Vonn is back on American soil, but her recovery journey is far from over. The skiing icon returned to the United States on Monday after a week in an Italian hospital following a severe leg injury sustained during the women’s downhill race at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on February 8th.
The 41-year-old Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture in the crash, occurring just 13 seconds into her run. Remarkably, she attempted the race despite having ruptured her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) nine days prior. Vonn had made a celebrated return to competition in 2024 after undergoing a successful partial right knee replacement surgery.
“Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week…been immobile in a hospital bed since my race,” Vonn posted on social media. “And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing. Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking care of me.”
The return to the U.S. Followed a series of four surgeries on her fractured left leg. Vonn received the “green light” to travel after the fourth procedure, according to reports. She acknowledged the long road ahead, a reality she is unfortunately familiar with throughout her decorated career.
Details surrounding the exact nature of the tibia fracture have been limited, but Vonn herself described the injury as “way more than a broken leg.” This suggests the fracture was complex, potentially involving multiple breaks or significant displacement, requiring multiple surgical interventions.
The crash occurred when Vonn “cut a turn too tight, hooked a gate in midair, and never had a chance of landing safely,” according to reports. The incident brought an abrupt end to her Olympic campaign and raised concerns about the future of her competitive skiing career.
Vonn’s comeback story was already compelling. After retiring, she surprised many by deciding to compete again, demonstrating a remarkable level of determination and physical resilience. The success of her partial knee replacement allowed her to return to the slopes, but this latest injury presents a significant setback.
While the immediate focus is on recovery, the long-term implications for Vonn’s skiing future remain uncertain. The severity of the tibia fracture and the need for multiple surgeries suggest a potentially lengthy rehabilitation process. Her age, while not necessarily a barrier to recovery, will undoubtedly be a factor in her ability to regain her previous level of performance.
The outpouring of support for Vonn has been significant, with messages of encouragement flooding social media. Her resilience and dedication to the sport have made her a beloved figure among fans and fellow athletes alike. The skiing community will be closely following her progress as she begins the challenging journey back to health.
As of Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, Vonn remains immobile, but her spirits appear high. The focus now shifts to the rehabilitation process, with the hope that she can once again return to the slopes, though the timeline for that remains unclear. The American skiing star is home, and the long recovery begins.
