Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn is back in the United States after a week of treatment in Italy following a crash during the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Games. The 41-year-old Vonn shared the news on social media, expressing her relief at returning home despite being unable to stand.
“Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race,” Vonn posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night. “And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing ❤️🇺🇸 #imhome #BeLv.” She also extended gratitude to the medical staff in Italy for their care. This return marks the latest chapter in a remarkable career defined by both triumph and resilience, as Vonn navigates recovery from a broken leg sustained during her Olympic run.
The crash occurred just 13 seconds into her downhill race on February 8th, when Vonn clipped a gate, causing her to lose control and sustain a fractured left leg. She was airlifted off the course and immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, as reported by the Associated Press. Details of the incident show Vonn’s body twisted upon impact, resulting in the injury.
Vonn underwent two surgeries in Italy for the leg fracture, marking the fourth surgery she’s had on the injured leg. She revealed that further surgical procedures may be necessary upon her return to the United States, according to NBC Los Angeles. Prior to the crash, Vonn had already been competing with a torn ACL sustained nine days before the Olympic downhill, adding another layer of challenge to her comeback attempt.
The veteran skier, who came out of retirement for the Milano Cortina Games, had briefly checked in with fans via a short video from the hospital in Treviso, Italy, on Friday, stating she was beginning to feel better but acknowledging a long road to recovery. She received support from teammates, family, and fans, including gifts and well wishes during her hospital stay.
Vonn’s crash brought an abrupt finish to her highly anticipated Olympic return. She had previously won an Olympic gold medal in the women’s downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, becoming the first American woman to achieve that feat. Despite the disappointing outcome, Vonn expressed no regrets about preparing for the Olympics, stating, “It was incredible to stand at the start gate, I will never forget it,” in a Facebook post.
Throughout her storied career, Vonn has battled numerous injuries, including four surgeries on her right knee, a lack of an anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, and multiple fractures to her arm and spine. She initially retired in 2019 due to these persistent injuries, but made a comeback to competitive skiing last year. Her resilience and determination have made her a beloved figure in the world of alpine skiing.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, as explained by Vonn, were not directly related to her pre-existing ACL injury. She stated that she took a turn 5 centimeters narrower than usual, causing her right arm to strike a gate.
As Vonn begins her recovery back in the United States, the focus shifts to her rehabilitation and potential future in the sport. While the extent of her recovery remains uncertain, her unwavering spirit and dedication suggest she will approach this challenge with the same determination that has defined her career. The alpine skiing world will be watching closely as she navigates the next steps in her journey.
Share your well wishes for Lindsey Vonn’s recovery in the comments below, and share this article with fellow sports fans.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Faaa-ck-691c33aeab9c5873188417.jpg)