Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Support to Lindsey Vonn After Olympic Injury
Cristiano Ronaldo has extended a message of support to American skier Lindsey Vonn following a severe injury sustained during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn, 41, suffered a dramatic crash during her downhill run, requiring multiple surgeries and narrowly avoiding amputation.
A Harrowing Crash and Fight for Recovery
The accident occurred within seconds of Vonn beginning her downhill competition run in Cortina, Italy. She clipped a gate and lost control, resulting in a complex tibia fracture, a fractured fibula head, and a tibia plateau fracture. The injury was complicated by compartment syndrome, a condition where swelling and pressure cut off blood flow to muscles and nerves.
Vonn underwent four major surgeries in Europe and an additional one in the United States. Dr. Tom Hackett is credited with saving her leg from amputation by performing a fasciotomy, a procedure to relieve pressure and restore blood flow.
Ronaldo’s Message of Encouragement
Upon learning of Vonn’s ordeal, Ronaldo took to social media to offer his support. He wrote, “Champions are defined by the moments they win, and the moments they refuse to give up. @lindseyvonn the mountains you conquered were never bigger than the strength you carry. Maintain fighting. Legends always rise.”
Vonn responded to Ronaldo’s message, stating that it meant a great deal coming from such a renowned athlete.
Vonn Details Grueling Recovery Process
Vonn shared details of her injury and recovery on Instagram, describing it as the “most extreme and painful and challenging thing” she has ever faced. She explained the severity of the compartment syndrome and the critical role Dr. Hackett played in saving her leg.
The recovery process is expected to grab approximately a year, with Vonn facing potential further surgery to address her ACL tear and remove metal hardware from her leg.
Other Athletes Offer Support
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also sent Vonn a message of encouragement, stating, “Giving up is not an option.”
Sources: Newsweek, Goal.com, The Sun