Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Surgery Following Heartbreaking Olympic Crash

Tue Feb 10 2026 00:43:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has had surgery to stabilize a fractured leg sustained during the women's downhill event at the Winter Olympics, marking potentially the end of her Olympic career.

Lindsey Vonn, the two-time world champion and American ski icon, was airlifted to the hospital after suffering a left-leg fracture during her final Olympic downhill event in Cortina. Just days after rupturing ligaments in her knee, Vonn's aspirations for a fairy tale ending were shattered when she crashed at a critical point in the competition. Following surgical intervention, her condition has been deemed stable, leaving her future in competitive skiing uncertain.

American skier Lindsey Vonn has had surgery on a left-leg fracture after suffering heartbreak in what could be her final Olympic event as she crashed in the women's downhill competition in Cortina.

The 41-year-old was competing just nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate with her ski pole on a first jump left Vonn off balance, denying a fairytale ending to a remarkable story.

Vonn was airlifted off the piste to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, around 130km from Olimpia delle Tofane in the Dolomites, following lengthy treatment. The hospital issued a statement which said she had orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture she sustained in her left leg - the same leg with the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Earlier, a statement from the United States ski team said Vonn had sustained an injury but was in a stable condition. The two-time world champion had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic course prior to Sunday's crash.

Compatriot Breezy Johnson was in tears as she added Olympic gold to the world title she won last year after clocking a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds. Another American, Isabella Wright, expressed hopes for Vonn's recovery, emphasizing her teammate's strength and resilience.

Vonn had attempted to compete despite her recent knee injury, showing determination to race in what is considered her specialty. Spectators watched in horror as she was airlifted away, a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-level skiing.

This crash casts uncertainty over her potential participation in future events and whether she will return to competitive skiing at all. Vonn, who has had a storied career and previously overcame significant injuries, now faces a challenging path ahead.