Ski Legend Lindsey Vonn Completes Fourth Surgery After Olympic Crash

Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American ski legend who suffered a serious accident during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has successfully completed her fourth surgery.

AP reported on February 14 (local time) that Vonn successfully underwent her fourth surgery and is now able to return home to the United States.

"When I stood at the starting line, I knew it could be dangerous and what consequences there could be. But I decided to take the risk," Vonn said. "I know many people are sad about what happened to me. But please don't be sad. I hope my story gives you strength to keep fighting."

She added, "I'm still waiting for the moment when I'll stand at the top of the mountain again someday. And I will."

Vonn crashed heavily during the alpine skiing downhill event at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on February 9. Just 13 seconds after the start, she hit a gate and fell, and was immediately airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital. The Olympic appearance came just nine days after she suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament tear last month. The accident left her tibia fractured into multiple pieces. Vonn received initial treatment in the intensive care unit of a local hospital before being transferred to a larger hospital for surgery and further treatment.

Vonn, who won downhill gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and bronze at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics before retiring in 2019, returned to competition after receiving a titanium artificial knee joint implant. However, this competition is expected to be her last.