Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: Lindsey Vonn is recovering from surgery to repair a leg fracture after a frightening crash in the women’s downhill skiing final at the Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old American skier had previously ruptured her ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in a World Cup race in Switzerland on 30 January but was determined to compete at the Winter Olympics on February 8 despite the injury.
Just 13 seconds into her final run in Cortina, northern Italy, Vonn clipped a slalom gate mid-air and crashed on the piste. Vonn was heard screaming as medical personnel attended to her for several minutes.
Update: Lindsey Vonn sustained an injury, but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians.
— U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team (@usskiteam) February 8, 2026
Lindsey Vonn was then strapped to a gurney and airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Cortina. She was later transferred to a larger hospital, Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, for treatment.
The hospital has confirmed that Vonn underwent orthopaedic surgery to stabilise a fracture in her left leg. Her team stated she is in stable condition and under the care of American and Italian physicians.
Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport for US Ski and Snowboard, said that, “She’ll be OK, but it’s going to be a bit of a process. This sport is brutal, and people need to remember that these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain at very high speeds.”
Spectators, including rapper Snoop Dogg, watched as Vonn crashed and was removed from the course. Her father was also in attendance, visibly distressed as she was treated.
Despite her injuries, Vonn had completed two strong training runs earlier in the week and was considered a medal contender. Her teammate Breezy Johnson went on to win the women’s downhill, becoming the second American woman to claim Olympic gold in the event, following Vonn, who was the first.
Lindsey Vonn returned to elite ski racing last season after nearly six years in retirement, having undergone a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee. In addition to the ruptured ACL, she also suffered a bone bruise and meniscus damage.
ALSO READ | From Trend to Staple: Fried chicken’s UK takeover
