American ski racer Lindsey Vonn, 41, is preparing to return to the United States for further surgeries after sustaining a complex tibia fracture during a downhill race at the Winter Olympics in Italy last week. The athlete underwent a fourth surgical procedure on Saturday, February 15, 2026 and has been cleared to travel back to the U.S., according to reports from the US Ski and Snowboard Association.
Vonn crashed just 13 seconds into her Olympic downhill run on February 8th, despite having already torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a prior World Cup race. The injury required multiple surgeries in Italy to stabilize the fracture. Sophie Goldschmidt, CEO of the US Ski and Snowboard Association, stated that Vonn will undergo additional surgeries once she returns home. “We’re working through all of that at the moment,” Goldschmidt said. “We’ve got a great team around helping her and she’ll go back to the US for further surgeries.”
A tibia fracture, particularly a complex one like Vonn’s, often necessitates multiple surgical interventions. The initial procedures focus on stabilizing the bone, often with internal fixation devices. Subsequent surgeries may be required to address any complications, optimize alignment, or reconstruct damaged tissues. The use of an external fixator, a metal framework supporting the leg, suggests the fracture was particularly unstable and required significant stabilization.
Despite the severity of her injury, Vonn has expressed a remarkably positive outlook. She shared on social media that “the ride was worth the fall,” and reaffirmed her enduring passion for skiing. “When I close my eyes at night, I have no regrets and the love for skiing is still there,” she wrote. “I’m looking forward to the moment when I can stand on top of the mountain again. And I will.”
Vonn’s decision to compete in the Olympics after sustaining an ACL tear highlights the dedication and risk tolerance inherent in elite athletes. While advancements in bracing and rehabilitation allow some athletes to return to competition with ligament injuries, the risk of further injury is significantly increased. The combination of a pre-existing ACL tear and the high-impact nature of downhill skiing likely contributed to the severity of her current fracture.
The impact of such an injury extends beyond the physical. Recovery from a tibia fracture can be a lengthy and challenging process, requiring extensive rehabilitation to regain strength, range of motion, and function. Athletes often face not only physical pain but also emotional distress related to lost training time, competition opportunities, and potential long-term limitations.
Goldschmidt described the scene of the crash as shocking, noting the inherent dangers of alpine sports. “There’s a lot of danger in doing all sorts of Alpine sports but it gives more of an appreciation for how superhuman these athletes are,” she said. “Putting your body on the line, going at those speeds, the physicality…Sometimes actually on the broadcast it’s really hard to get that across.”
Vonn’s return to competitive skiing after previously retiring demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the sport. However, her father, Alan Kildow, has indicated that this injury may mark the end of her racing career. “She is 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Kildow stated, adding, “As long as I still have a say in the matter, Lindsey Vonn will no longer ski race.”
While the future of Vonn’s competitive skiing remains uncertain, her resilience and positive attitude throughout this ordeal are inspiring. Her recovery will undoubtedly require dedication and perseverance, but her determination to return to the mountains suggests she will approach this challenge with the same spirit that has defined her remarkable career.
The medical team accompanying Vonn back to the United States will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition and coordinating her ongoing care. Further details regarding the specifics of her upcoming surgeries and rehabilitation plan are expected to be released upon her return.
