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Lindsey Vonn’s incredible comeback to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics came to a sudden end on Sunday when she crashed in the women’s downhill event and suffered a gruesome leg injury that required her to be airlifted off of the course. 

Vonn, in her first public statement following the crash, insisted she had no regrets about pushing to compete on a torn ACL and revealed she suffered a complex tibia fracture that would require multiple surgeries to repair. On Friday, Vonn posted a video thanking fans for all of the support, including the flowers and stuffed animals she’s been sent, as she prepares for surgery on Saturday — her fourth since the crash. She reported she hopes that will be her last procedure in Italy, allowing her to return home to the U.S. to continue her recovery and have a fifth surgery. 

“It has been quite a hard few days in the hospital here. I’m finally feeling more like myself. I have a long, long way to go,” Vonn reported. “Tomorrow I’ll have another surgery and hopefully that goes well and then I can potentially leave and go back home, at which point I will need another surgery. Still don’t know exactly what that entails yet until I get some better imaging, but it’s kind of where I am right now.”

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Following her third surgery on Wednesday, Vonn posted an report with a photo from her hospital bed. 

I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok. Thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world. Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for. ❤️🤍💙

In the photo, the extent of the injury is evident in the amount of bracing on Vonn’s leg. However, even in the face of what seems likely to be a career-ending injury, Vonn has continued to express gratitude and appreciation for fans supporting her journey back to competition. 

Vonn’s return to the Olympics saw her return to the top of the downhill standings this season, but a crash in Switzerland a week before the games threatened to derail her comeback after she suffered a torn ACL in her left knee. Vonn was able to get cleared by doctors to continue competing, and after successfully completing her training runs, she was still a podium contender heading into Sunday’s downhill. 

Lindsey Vonn has ‘no regrets’ after Olympics crash as skiing figures defend her decision to race on torn ACL

Carter Bahns

Early in her run, Vonn clipped a gate as she came over a jump that caused her to get off balance and led to the crash that made for a cruel ending to an inspiring comeback bid. She explained that she was just five inches too far inside on her line, pushing herself to the limit as always trying to get every edge possible. 

That willingness to push boundaries made Vonn a legend, and her resilience in the face of injuries and heartache continues to make her a beloved figure in American sport.