Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Fifth Surgery Following Olympic Downhill Crash

Updated Feb. 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn is recovering after undergoing her fifth surgery on Wednesday, February 18, to repair a complex tibial fracture sustained during a crash in the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old athlete shared details of the procedure and her recovery progress on social media.

Details of the Injury and Surgery

Vonn suffered the injury on February 8 after catching an edge with her right arm at the fourth gate, causing her to lose control and tumble down the slope. She sustained a complex tibial fracture, meaning the bone shattered into multiple pieces. The surgery, performed by her longtime orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett, lasted over six hours and involved the use of numerous plates and screws to stabilize the leg.

“As you can see, it required a lot of plates and screws to put everything back together but Dr Hackett did an incredible job,” Vonn wrote on Instagram, posting images of her leg with the hardware clearly visible. She also shared a photo of the metal pieces in a plastic bag.

Recovery and Hospitalization

Vonn initially spent eight days hospitalized in Italy before returning to the United States earlier this week. She reported experiencing significant post-operative pain. “I’m struggling a bit post op and have not yet been able to be discharged from the hospital just yet,” she shared. “But I’m almost there. Baby steps.”

Prior to her return to the U.S., Vonn underwent three surgeries in Italy. She was transferred to a larger hospital in Treviso, a two-hour drive from Cortina, after initial treatment in a local clinic as reported by NBC Connecticut.

Previous Injuries and Olympic Bid

This crash occurred nine days after Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee in another crash. Despite these setbacks, Vonn was attempting a remarkable comeback at the age of 41, having retired nearly six years prior. Her participation in the Olympics was already considered a significant achievement given her history of knee injuries and recovery. NBC New York detailed the circumstances surrounding the crash, noting her speed and the sudden nature of the incident.

Looking Ahead

Vonn has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received and remains optimistic about her recovery. She indicated she would soon share more details about her injury and rehabilitation process. Even as the extent of her recovery and potential return to competition remains uncertain, Vonn’s determination and positive attitude are evident as she faces this latest challenge.