Lindsey Vonn Hospitalized in Intensive Care Following Olympic Crash
Lindsey Vonn was hospitalized in intensive care after a significant leg injury during her Olympic comeback attempt. The former Olympic skier, 41, was competing in the women’s alpine skiing downhill event on February 8, 2026, aiming for a gold medal despite a fully ruptured ACL.
Incident Details
Vonn’s crash occurred just 13 seconds into the race. She had previously finished 11th during a training session, trailing the fastest time by 1.39 seconds. While racing, her right arm collided with a gate, leading to a hard landing and a tumble down the slope.
Medical Response
Medical teams quickly attended to Vonn, who was later airlifted to the hospital. Reports indicated she suffered a serious fracture in her right leg and underwent two surgeries to manage swelling and blood flow complications.
Condition Update
- Vonn is currently in stable condition.
- She is under the care of both American and Italian medical teams.
Background and Comeback
Lindsey Vonn’s decision to race came after she announced her return from retirement in November 2024. Just a week before the Olympic event, she had ruptured her ACL while practicing in Switzerland. Despite the prognosis, Vonn was determined to compete.
Vonn’s Statements
In a pre-race press conference, Vonn expressed her commitment to rely on her medical and support team. “Everyone is working as hard as they can to get me to a place where I feel confident,” she stated.
After the crash, speculation arose regarding the nature of her ACL injury. Dr. Brian Sutterer suggested that Vonn’s injury might not be a straightforward tear, but Vonn confirmed that her ACL was “100% gone.”
Future Prospects
As of now, Vonn’s immediate future is uncertain. She has achieved 82 World Cup victories and secured three Olympic medals throughout her career. On a positive note, her teammate Breezy Johnson won the first gold medal for Team USA in the same event, marking a significant achievement for the U.S. women’s team.
