Lindsey Vonn’s Hospital Photo Sparks Expert Amputation Concerns Post-Olympics Crash
Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier, recently faced a serious health setback following a significant crash during the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She suffered a severe tibia fracture that will necessitate multiple surgeries and has raised concerns about the potential for amputation.
Lindsey Vonn’s Injury Details
After her fall in Treviso, Italy, Vonn shared a hospital photo on Instagram, revealing her condition. Orthopedic specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet assessed her injury, highlighting the critical nature of her situation.
Medical Expert Opinions
- Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet emphasized that Vonn’s primary goal should be to retain her leg.
- He mentioned that complete healing could take several months and may lead to long-term complications.
- Another surgeon, Dr. Nicolas Baudrier, pointed out the severity of her injuries, which required an external fixator to stabilize her leg.
Both specialists indicated that the complexity of Vonn’s injury involved potential bone fragmentation, alongside possible nerve and muscle damage, which might increase recovery challenges.
Implications for Vonn’s Career
Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, expressed strong concerns about her future in competitive skiing. He stated that he would advocate for her to retire from the sport if he could influence her decisions.
Before this incident, Vonn had announced her comeback and was training hard for the Olympics. She aimed for a fourth Olympic medal in Cortina, where she has previously achieved tremendous success, including twelve World Cup titles.
Background on the Olympic Crash
During the downhill race on February 8, 2026, Vonn ruptured her ACL just over a week prior. Despite this injury, it was not the cause of her crash. Instead, she clipped a gate with her arm early in the race.
On social media, Vonn reported on her recovery journey, highlighting her gratitude towards the medical staff and supporters. She noted the slow but steady progress following her third successful surgery.
Achievements
Lindsey Vonn’s impressive record includes:
- Gold medal in women’s downhill in 2010.
- Bronze in super-G in 2010.
- Bronze in women’s downhill in 2018.
As she navigates this challenging period, her fans and fellow athletes continue to rally around her, offering support and inspiration.
