Renowned ski athlete Lindsey Vonn provided an update on social media after her third surgery following a significant crash that dashed her hopes of competing at the Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina. The 41-year-old American sustained a leg injury during the Milan Cortina Games, leading to her being airlifted to a hospital post a serious accident shortly after tearing her ACL.
Vonn, a member of Team USA, collided with a gate during the women’s downhill race, causing her to lose balance and crash within the first 13 seconds of her run. Following the incident, she underwent immediate treatment before being airlifted to a nearby medical facility for further care.
Updating her progress on Instagram, Vonn mentioned, “I underwent my third surgery today, and it was a success. The definition of success has evolved for me in the past few days.
“Despite the slow progress, I am confident about my recovery. I am grateful for the exceptional medical team, my supportive friends and family, and the overwhelming love and support from people worldwide.
“I also want to congratulate my teammates and all the inspiring Team USA athletes who continue to motivate me and give me something to root for.”
It was later confirmed that Vonn would require multiple surgeries to repair her leg, with the third surgery now completed. A prolonged recovery phase lies ahead, although there is a possibility that she may return to skiing within a year.
Fellow skier Federica Brignone, who suffered severe leg fractures and an anterior cruciate ligament tear at the 2025 Italian Championships in April, made a comeback after a mere 10 months. Brignone competed against Vonn on the Olympia piste in Cortina.
“Providing a comprehensive evaluation without reviewing the X‑rays is challenging,” noted Andrea Panzeri, the head of the Medical Commission of the Italian Winter Sports Federation, in a statement to Reuters.
“A complex fracture, regardless of age, can potentially restrict an athlete’s career. However, Brignone overcame a serious fracture and successfully recovered.”
Orthopaedic surgeon Filippo Pierfrancesco Calanna from Milan’s Gaetano Pini Orthopaedic and Trauma Centre remarked, “The older an individual is, the slower the recovery process becomes.
“Despite Vonn’s exceptional physical attributes, recovery typically takes longer at her age. Motivation and mindset play crucial roles in the recovery process.
“There is a risk of early onset arthritis, which can eventually lead to decreased joint functionality, stiffness, and discomfort.”
Nevertheless, Vonn’s history of leg injuries, including a partial knee implant, may impact her recovery timeline.
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