CORTINA d’AMPEZZO, Italy, In what was meant to be a historic comeback at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American ski legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a major setback when she crashed early in the women’s downhill race and broke her left leg. The 41-year-old was airlifted to the hospital and underwent surgery to stabilize the injury, bringing an emotional end to her Olympic run.
What Happened on the Course
Just 13 seconds into her downhill run at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on Sunday, Vonn clipped a gate with her right shoulder, lost control, and tumbled violently down the slope. The crowd fell silent as medical teams rushed to her side, eventually strapping her onto a stretcher and sending her off the course by helicopter.
This was the second serious incident in less than two weeks for Vonn. Earlier in the season at a World Cup event in Switzerland, she completely ruptured her left ACL and suffered other knee damage, yet still chose to race in Milan-Cortina on a brace and with intensive therapy.
Surgery and Current Condition
After being taken first to a local clinic in Cortina, Vonn was transferred to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where doctors performed orthopedic surgery to repair the fractured leg. According to the medical team and U.S. Ski & Snowboard, she is now in stable condition and being cared for by both American and Italian physicians.
Officials emphasized that while the injury is serious, her life is not in danger, and the focus now shifts to her long-term recovery. Anouk Patty, chief of sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, said she expects a process ahead but believes Vonn will come through it.
A Comeback Story Cut Short
Vonn’s journey to these Olympics was already remarkable. After retiring in 2019, she returned to competitive skiing with a titanium-reinforced right knee and an intense training regime. Then, just days before the Olympic downhill, she suffered a complete ACL tear in her left knee but publicly vowed to compete anyway, saying she still saw a chance at success.
That resolve made her crash all the more heartbreaking. Fans, fellow athletes, and competitors rallied around her after the incident, acknowledging both her courage and the inherent danger of elite alpine skiing.
How This Changes the Olympic Landscape
Vonn’s exit came early on a day that ultimately produced triumph for Team USA. Her teammate Breezy Johnson went on to win the gold medal in the women’s downhill, becoming the second American woman to claim Olympic downhill gold after Vonn’s own victory in 2010.
But amidst the celebrations, the mood was tempered by concern for Vonn. Messages flooded in from fans and fellow Olympians, including Mikaela Shiffrin, who took to social media to send support after the crash.
What Comes Next for Lindsey Vonn
There is no timeline yet for Vonn’s full recovery. A broken leg after surgery on top of a torn ACL means months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Given her history of returning from injuries and her competitive mindset, many expect her to focus first on healing and second on what role she might play in skiing in the future, whether as a mentor, commentator, or ambassador for the sport.
One thing is clear: Lindsey Vonn’s legacy as one of the greatest women in alpine skiing remains intact. This setback may be another chapter in a storied career, but it won’t be the final word on her impact.
