Lindsey Vonn Awaits More Surgery in US After Olympic Injury and Four Operations in Italy

Lindsey Vonn has had 4 surgeries in Italy for her Olympic injury and is now back in the US for more. This is a major step in her long recovery process.
By Newsroom | Sports, Health |

Lindsey Vonn, a celebrated figure in skiing, is currently awaiting more medical procedures for a complex tibia fracture sustained during the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. This comes after a series of operations and a period of hospitalization. Vonn shared a recent update indicating she was preparing for another surgery in the United States, following four procedures that took place in Italy.

Lindsey Vonn shares nervous post as she awaits fifth surgery on broken leg after Olympic fall and dog's death - 1

Medical Journey and Event Timeline

The sequence of events began shortly before the Winter Olympics. Vonn suffered a ruptured ACL in her left knee during a World Cup event in Switzerland, just one week prior to the Games. Despite this injury, she trained and opted to compete.

Lindsey Vonn shares nervous post as she awaits fifth surgery on broken leg after Olympic fall and dog's death - 2

  • Pre-Olympics: Vonn ruptured her ACL in a training incident in Switzerland.

  • Olympic Competition: During her first run in the Olympic downhill event at Milan-Cortina, Vonn crashed approximately 13 seconds into the course.

  • Immediate Aftermath: She was airlifted from the course and taken to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Italy, where a complex tibia fracture was identified.

  • Surgeries in Italy: Vonn underwent four surgeries in Italy for her leg injury.

  • Hospital Discharge and Return: After her fourth operation, Vonn was discharged from the Italian hospital and began her journey back to the United States.

  • Current Status: She is now awaiting further surgical intervention in the U.S.

Injury Details and Vonn's Account

Vonn has been open about her condition through social media. She described her injury as a "complex tibia fracture" and confirmed that the crash itself was unrelated to her pre-existing ACL tear.

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Lindsey Vonn shares nervous post as she awaits fifth surgery on broken leg after Olympic fall and dog's death - 3

"Lot on my mind but hoping this will be a big step forward." – Lindsey Vonn, via Instagram.

Vonn has expressed that she has "a long, long way to go" in her recovery process, implying that the current surgical phase is not the conclusion of her medical treatment.

Lindsey Vonn shares nervous post as she awaits fifth surgery on broken leg after Olympic fall and dog's death - 4

International Care and Transition

The initial phase of Vonn's treatment occurred in Italy, involving a significant medical team to manage her transfer. She shared a video showing a large group of medical staff assisting her in Italy before her journey home. Upon her return to the United States, she stated she was "finally home" and would continue her treatment there, with another surgery anticipated.

Public Statements and Emotional State

Vonn has used platforms like Instagram to share her journey. While acknowledging the severity of her situation and the anticipation of further procedures, her posts have also conveyed a sense of hope and determination.

"I have a long, long way to go." – Lindsey Vonn, reflecting on her recovery.

She has also stated that her knee remains stable, without swelling, and that her muscles are functioning as expected, despite the significant leg injury.

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Expert Analysis

  • While reports confirm Vonn’s complex tibia fracture and ACL rupture, the exact details and prognosis of future surgeries remain pending further medical evaluation and imaging.

  • The decision to compete with a pre-existing ACL injury, followed by a severe crash, raises questions about risk assessment in elite sports, though Vonn has stated the crash did not result from the ACL tear.

Conclusion and Outlook

Lindsey Vonn's path to recovery from a significant leg injury sustained at the Milan-Cortina Olympics is ongoing. Following four surgeries in Italy, she has returned to the United States to await further procedures. Her public statements highlight the length and complexity of her rehabilitation ahead.

Sources Used:

  1. Daily Mail: Details Vonn's nervous post awaiting fifth surgery, her discharge from an Italian hospital, and her return journey to the US.

  2. Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/winterolympics/article-15572237/Lindsey-Vonn-surgery-Olympic-dog.html

  3. NBC Olympics: Reports Vonn's arrival back in the US for continued treatment of a complex tibia fracture sustained at the Olympics, mentioning four surgeries completed and another expected.

  4. Link: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/lindsey-vonn-shares-latest-update-im-finally-home

  5. E! Online: Briefly mentions Vonn reflecting after the Olympics 2026 crash and her recovery following surgery, alongside other Olympic athletes.

  6. Link: https://www.eonline.com/news/1428605/lindsey-vonn-reflects-after-olympics-2026-crash

  7. Fox News: Covers Vonn awaiting further imaging and next steps for recovery after competing on a ruptured ACL, her fourth surgery post-injury, and the details of her crash and airlift.

  8. Link: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lindsey-vonn-reveals-medical-uncertainty-after-olympic-injury-emotional-hospital-admission

  9. NBC Chicago: Reports on Vonn sharing images of her leg post-surgeries and discussing the multiple procedures needed following her Olympic crash.

  10. Link: https://www.nbcchicago.com/olympics/2026-milan-cortina/lindsey-vonn-shares-startling-image-of-her-leg-after-surgeries-following-tragic-olympic-crash/3891272/

  11. USA Today: Details Vonn's Instagram update on her latest surgery, her expectation of more procedures, and her upcoming return to the USA.

  12. Link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/14/lindsey-vonn-injury-update-olympics-crash/88665858007/

  13. AP News: Reports Vonn's hope to go home after a surgery on her broken left leg in Italy, followed by the need for another surgery back home, and her long recovery outlook.

  14. Link: https://apnews.com/article/lindsey-vonn-update-olympics-96035a0d65074e2e02f039a3fad52c2a

  15. Olympics.com: Discusses Vonn facing further surgery after her crash, confirming a complex tibia fracture, and her statement about a "long, long way to go."

  16. Link: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/lindsey-vonn-faces-further-surgery-crash-when-will-she-return-home

  17. Us Magazine: Covers Vonn breaking her silence about the accident, confirming the crash didn't stem from her ACL issue, and detailing her current condition and upcoming needs for more surgeries.

  18. Link: https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/lindsey-vonn-shares-surgery-update-and-plans-after-olympic-crash/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Lindsey Vonn waiting for more surgery after the Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture during the Winter Olympics. She has already had four surgeries in Italy to fix the injury. Now, she is back in the United States to have more surgery.
Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn at the Winter Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during the downhill event at the Winter Olympics. She was found to have a complex tibia fracture. This happened about a week after she also tore her ACL in training.
Q: How many surgeries has Lindsey Vonn had for her Olympic injury?
Lindsey Vonn has had four surgeries in Italy to treat her complex tibia fracture. She is now preparing for another surgery in the United States.
Q: What is Lindsey Vonn's recovery outlook after her Olympic injury?
Lindsey Vonn has stated that she has a 'long, long way to go' in her recovery. She is focusing on the upcoming surgery in the US as a step forward. Her knee is reported to be stable.
Q: When did Lindsey Vonn get injured at the Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn was injured during the downhill event at the Winter Olympics. The injury happened shortly after she had already torn her ACL in training just one week before the Games.
Q: Where is Lindsey Vonn getting her next surgery?
After being discharged from a hospital in Italy where she had four surgeries, Lindsey Vonn has returned to the United States. She is now awaiting further surgical treatment for her complex tibia fracture in the US.