Lindsey Vonn Shares Health Update Following Fifth Surgery on Broken Leg After Olympic Crash in Cortina Italy

Lindsey Vonn, the American skiing legend, has opened up about her recovery following a devastating crash at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.

The 41-year-old underwent her fifth surgery on a complex tibia fracture this week after falling during the women’s downhill on February 8 while already competing with a torn ACL.

Vonn returned to the United States for the latest operation, which lasted over six hours.

She took to X to give fans an update on her condition, admitting that the pain has been intense but expressing gratitude for the support she’s received.

“Making slow progress but I hope I can be out of the hospital soon,” she wrote.

“Thank you all for the support.”

The Crash That Changed Everything

The terrifying incident occurred on the opening traverse of the downhill course when Vonn lost control after cutting too tight.

She was spun violently in the air before hitting the snow and immediately cried out in pain.

Medical personnel quickly surrounded her and airlifted her from the slopes by helicopter.

Following her fourth surgery the previous weekend, Vonn was discharged from the Italian hospital and began a painstaking journey back to the United States.

She shared videos of the transfer on Instagram, highlighting the enormous effort from medical staff to safely transport her home.

“My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME!” Vonn wrote.

She also expressed relief that she can now prepare for the next procedure to remove the X-fix, which will allow her to regain mobility.

Coping With Personal Loss Amid Recovery

Adding to the physical and emotional toll, Vonn revealed that her beloved dog, Leo, passed away just days after her Olympic crash.

Leo, who had survived lymphoma a year and a half ago but later developed lung cancer, had been a constant source of comfort for Vonn since 2014.

“This has been an incredibly hard few days. Probably the hardest of my life,” she wrote.

“I still have not come to terms that he is gone… He will always be my first love.”

Leo had been with Vonn through previous injuries, including her second ACL injury, providing companionship and emotional support.

She described how he always made her feel safe and loved, and now she finds solace in knowing he is no longer in pain.

Staying Positive Despite Setbacks

Despite the severity of her injuries and the heartbreaking loss of her dog, Vonn remains determined to recover and return to skiing.

She emphasized that her prior ACL injury did not contribute to her crash, and she intends to ski competitively again in the future.

Vonn’s resilience is well-known in the sporting world, and her openness about the challenges she faces underscores both her strength and vulnerability.

What’s Next?

Vonn will undergo further surgery to remove the X-fix from her leg, a key step toward regaining full mobility.

Her rehabilitation will be closely monitored, and she will likely face a long road of physiotherapy and gradual conditioning before returning to skiing.

Fans can expect updates on her recovery through social media and official statements.

Meanwhile, she continues to grieve Leo while celebrating the joy he brought into her life.

Summary

Lindsey Vonn is recovering from a fifth surgery on a severe tibia fracture following her crash in the women’s downhill at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy.

She returned to the United States for the operation and shared that managing pain has been difficult.

Amid her recovery, Vonn also mourned the loss of her beloved dog, Leo, who had been a loyal companion since 2014.

Despite these setbacks, Vonn remains determined to ski again in the future.
Her next steps include additional surgery to remove the X-fix and an extensive rehabilitation process.