Skiing icon Lindsey Vonn recently provided an update on her condition post her third surgery following a severe crash that shattered her Olympic aspirations at the Milan‑Cortina event. The 41-year-old American sustained a leg fracture during the Milan Cortina Games, necessitating immediate hospitalization after a significant accident, shortly after tearing her ACL.
Vonn, a prominent member of Team USA, collided with a gate, leading to a loss of balance and a subsequent impact on the slope merely 13 seconds into her women’s downhill run. Following the incident, she underwent extensive medical care before being airlifted to a nearby medical facility for further attention.
Taking to Instagram on a Wednesday evening, Vonn shared, “I underwent my third successful surgery today. The meaning of success has drastically evolved for me in the past few days. Progress is being made, albeit slowly, and I am optimistic about my recovery. Grateful for the exceptional medical team, supportive friends, family, and the overwhelming love and backing from people worldwide.
She also extended congratulations to her fellow teammates and all Team USA athletes who continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for her.
It was later confirmed that Vonn would need multiple surgical procedures to mend her leg, with the latest being her third surgery. While a lengthy recovery period lies ahead, there is a possibility that she might return to skiing within a year.
Federica Brignone, another skier who endured multiple leg fractures and a torn ACL during the 2025 Italian Championships, made a remarkable comeback after just 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on Cortina’s Olympia piste.
Andrea Panzeri, the head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, mentioned, “Providing an assessment without reviewing the X-rays is challenging. It is a complex fracture that could potentially limit an athlete’s career, regardless of age. Nonetheless, Brignone suffered a severe fracture and managed to recover.”
Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna, an orthopedic surgeon at Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopedic and Trauma Centre, highlighted, “Age plays a crucial role in the recovery process, with older individuals experiencing slower recuperation. Despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes, her age might result in a prolonged recovery period. However, motivation and mindset are also significant factors. There is a potential risk of early arthritis development, leading to joint function decline, stiffness, and discomfort.”
The history of injuries to Vonn’s same leg, which includes a partial knee implant, could impact her recovery timeline.