Lindsey Vonn undergoes fifth surgery on left leg after Winter Olympics crash in Crans-Montana Switzerland

US skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has shared a glimpse into the staggering toll of her injuries, joking that she is now “bionic” after a grueling fifth surgery on her left leg.

The 41-year-old Olympian suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women’s downhill final at the Winter Olympics on February 8, and the multiple procedures have left her with dozens of metal screws stabilizing the bone.

Vonn has been open about her recovery journey, sharing X-rays and updates with fans.

“Made it through surgery… it took a bit more than six hours to complete,” she wrote on social media, praising Dr Hackett and Dr Viola for their work.

She added, “With the extent of the trauma, I’ve been struggling a bit post-op… almost there. Baby steps.”

A Storied Career and Relentless Comebacks

Vonn’s left leg is not her first battle zone.

After undergoing a right knee reconstruction in 2024, she launched a second comeback from retirement, culminating in a win at the 2025-2026 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in December.

She aimed to add Olympic gold to her collection, but her pre-Games ACL tear in Switzerland derailed those plans.

Remarkably, Vonn still competed at the Games despite the torn ligament, only to crash 13 seconds into her downhill final.

The skier clipped a gate, lost control, and was airborne before being rushed away by medical personnel and airlifted via helicopter.

She later confirmed she had no regrets about racing.

Returning to the US and Facing Another Loss

Following her fourth operation in Europe, Vonn returned to the US, where she underwent the fifth surgery on Wednesday.

“Just a quick update… my last surgery went well,” she shared. “Pain has been hard to manage.

Making slow progress but I hope I can be out of the hospital soon. Thank you all for the support.”

Amid the medical challenges, Vonn faced heartbreak at home.

Her dog, Leo, who had battled lung cancer, died the day after her Olympic crash.

“I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time.

I can’t believe it,” she wrote. Leo had been a companion since 2014, helping her through previous ACL injuries and emotional lows.

Vonn described him as her “first love” and vowed, “I will love you forever my big boy.”

Enduring Pain and Resilience

Through the pain, Vonn’s spirit remains unbroken.

She has openly documented the extreme physical and emotional challenges of her recovery, reminding fans of the resilience required at the elite level of sport.

Her humor — calling herself “bionic” — balances the seriousness of her injuries with her characteristic determination.

What’s Next?

Vonn’s road to recovery will continue for months, with careful rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength.

While the fifth surgery marks a significant milestone, she remains hospitalized for ongoing pain management.

Fans and medical observers will be watching closely to see when the legendary skier can safely return to the slopes, with her eventual comeback likely to inspire a new generation of athletes.

Summary

Lindsey Vonn, 41, underwent a fifth surgery on her left leg following a complex tibia fracture sustained during the Winter Olympics downhill final.

The procedures involved dozens of metal screws, earning her the playful nickname “bionic.”

Vonn has maintained transparency about her pain and recovery, returning to the US for treatment.

Amid her medical ordeal, she mourned the death of her beloved dog, Leo.

Despite these setbacks, Vonn remains determined to recover and has vowed to ski again, exemplifying resilience both on and off the slopes.