Lindsey Vonn undergoes surgery after terrifying Olympic downhill crash? What comes next for the American skiing legend

Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic return ended in a frightening moment that shocked fans around the world. Just seconds into her women’s downhill run, the American ski legend crashed hard and had to be airlifted from the mountain.

According to U.S. Ski & Snowboard, she is now in stable condition after surgery to repair a fracture in her left leg. The crash happened early in the race, only about 13 seconds after the start. Vonn’s shoulder and pole caught a gate near the top of the course. She spun sideways, tumbled off the track, and her skis twisted both knees as she landed. The Associated Press reported that her safety air bag did inflate, which is designed to reduce serious injury.

Rescue teams reached her quickly. A helicopter arrived within 10 minutes, and she was taken for urgent medical care. She was first treated at Codivilla Putti Hospital in Cortina and later moved to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where doctors performed orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture. Hospital officials confirmed the procedure in a public statement.

Lindsey Vonn’s crash, Olympic comeback story, and reactions from teammates

Vonn had returned to Olympic competition after years away from the sport.

She retired after the 2018 Olympics because of repeated injuries. But a partial knee replacement in 2024 helped her ski again at a high level. She earned a place on the U.S. team with strong World Cup results and podium finishes, showing her determination to compete once more.The women’s downhill was expected to be one of the biggest events of the Games because of Lindsey Vonn’s comeback. However, the race quickly turned emotional after her fall.

While Breezy Johnson won the gold medal, the mood around the course remained quiet and concerned.Teammate Jackie Wiles, who finished fourth, spoke about Vonn’s legacy. She said, “It doesn’t change anything about her legacy. She’s a fighter, and that’s the way that she’s going to go out and ski every time.”Only a week before the Olympics, Vonn had already suffered a torn ACL in Switzerland, yet she still chose to compete.

She confirmed her decision during a press conference and posted solid training times before race day. Her determination made her one of Team USA’s most talked-about athletes entering the Games.Even after this latest injury, Vonn’s long career, Olympic medals, and fearless style continue to define her place in ski racing history. Updates from official team sources say doctors will now focus on recovery and rehabilitation in the coming weeks.