Frank Rondel
Five-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn has been discharged from the hospital following a severe crash during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, reporting injuries that could have led to amputation, reports customreceipt.com via ABC. The 41-year-old skier, who suffered multiple leg fractures and complications during the women’s downhill event, described her recovery as one of the most challenging experiences of her career.
Vonn’s accident occurred just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill race at the Olympia delle Tofane slope in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 8, after already sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during a World Cup race in Switzerland on January 30. She was immediately airlifted to an Italian hospital for emergency treatment. Over the following days, Vonn documented her transfer back to the United States and subsequent hospitalization, sharing details of her complex injuries.
According to Vonn, she suffered a tibial fracture, fibular head fracture, tibial plateau fracture, and developed compartment syndrome, requiring an extensive six-hour surgery that included a fasciotomy. She credited orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett for performing the operation and saving her leg from amputation. Vonn emphasized that her prior ACL tear had inadvertently allowed Dr. Hackett to be present for the surgery, which she described as “amazingly well” executed.
Despite the intensity of her injuries and ongoing pain, which required a blood transfusion, Vonn expressed that competing in the Olympics was a decision she stood by. She acknowledged the physical and emotional toll of the crash but maintained that attempting the event was “so worth it,” calling her setback a “blip on the radar.”
Currently immobile and using a wheelchair, Vonn remains committed to her rehabilitation and long-term recovery. She likened herself to a fighter, stating she will “keep getting back up” as she continues her journey toward regaining mobility and strength.
Earlier we wrote that Polish Skater Kamila Sellier Injured in 1500m Short‑Track Crash at 2026 Winter Olympics