Ski Legend Vonn Undergoes Surgery After Downhill Crash

Lindsey Vonn, the American skiing legend who competed at the Olympics despite a previous injury, has undergone surgery for a left leg fracture after a devastating crash just 13 seconds into her race that required helicopter evacuation.

Vonn fell during the women's downhill event at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on February 8 at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, failing to complete the race.

Her right arm struck a gate 13 seconds after the start, causing her to lose balance and tumble across the snow.

Vonn screamed in pain after the crash and received emergency medical treatment before being airlifted to a hospital.

She was initially taken to the intensive care unit at a Cortina-area hospital for primary treatment, then transferred to a major hospital in Treviso.

The hospital announced in a statement that "orthopedic surgery was performed to stabilize the left leg fracture." U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed that "Vonn's condition is stable. American and Italian medical teams are providing intensive care."

Vonn is a legend with 84 World Cup victories and three Olympic medals, including one gold and two bronze. After winning her first Olympic gold in the downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, she retired in 2019 but returned to competition in the 2024-2025 season to prepare for these Winter Olympics.

However, she suffered a torn left ACL during a World Cup race on January 30, just before the Games.

Despite the serious injury, Vonn proceeded with her Olympic appearance. Having indicated this would be her final Olympics before retirement, she had hoped for a memorable farewell on the world stage.

Instead, a serious injury cut her Olympic journey shorter than she had envisioned.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry wished her a speedy recovery, saying, "Lindsey Vonn will always be an Olympic champion and symbol of inspiration."