Lindsey Vonn's tibia fracture at Winter Olympics leads to 5+ surgeries

Lindsey Vonn had over 5 surgeries after a crash at the Winter Olympics. This is more surgeries than her previous knee injury required.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American alpine skier, has sustained a complex tibia fracture following a crash during the Winter Olympics downhill race. The injury has necessitated multiple surgeries, with reports indicating at least five procedures have been performed. Vonn was competing despite a torn ACL in her left knee, an injury sustained nine days prior to the crash.

Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: Five Surgeries Later, Skier Defends Risking Her Life on a Torn ACL - 1

Background and Timeline of Events

The incident occurred during the Olympic downhill event. Vonn's participation in the Games itself was notable, as she was returning from a lengthy retirement. However, she suffered an ACL rupture in her left knee in a separate incident just nine days before the downhill race. Despite this, she proceeded to compete.

Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: Five Surgeries Later, Skier Defends Risking Her Life on a Torn ACL - 2

  • January [Date Unknown], 2026: Vonn suffers an ACL rupture in her left knee, along with bone bruising and meniscus damage.

  • February 8, 2026: Vonn crashes during the Olympic downhill race. She sustains a complex tibia fracture.

  • February 8-13, 2026: Vonn undergoes at least five surgeries to address the tibia fracture and related injuries.

  • February 9, 2026: Vonn posts updates on her condition, stating she will require multiple surgeries and expressing "no regrets" about competing with the ACL injury.

  • February 13, 2026: Vonn indicates she may be able to return home after her latest surgery, with further procedures anticipated.

Nature of the Injury and Medical Procedures

Vonn's injuries have been described as a complex tibia fracture. Reports indicate that the fracture required a significant amount of medical intervention.

Read More: Lindsey Vonn's Fifth Surgery After Olympic Crash: What You Need to Know

Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: Five Surgeries Later, Skier Defends Risking Her Life on a Torn ACL - 3

  • Multiple Surgeries: Vonn has undergone at least five surgeries to stabilize and repair the broken leg.

  • Implants: One report mentions that the procedures required "a lot of plates and screws." Vonn also has a pre-existing titanium implant in her right knee from previous injuries.

  • Recovery Outlook: Vonn has acknowledged a "long, long way to go" in her recovery process, despite expressing hope of returning home.

Vonn's Stance on Competing with an ACL Injury

Despite the severity of her recent injury, Vonn has maintained that her decision to compete was her own and that she has "no regrets." She has also explicitly stated that her previous injuries, including the torn ACL, were not the cause of the recent crash.

Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: Five Surgeries Later, Skier Defends Risking Her Life on a Torn ACL - 4

  • Defending the Decision: Vonn has been open about the gamble of competing with a torn ACL, but she defends her choice.

  • No Causal Link Asserted: Vonn insists her ACL tear and prior injuries did not cause her to clip a gate during the downhill run.

  • External Perspectives: Some onlookers questioned whether the torn ACL could have contributed to the crash. However, a consensus among Olympic skiing figures appears to be that Vonn should not be blamed, and her crash was not a direct result of the ACL injury.

Collateral Impact and Personal Loss

The period surrounding Vonn's injury has also included personal hardship. Her 13-year-old dog, Leo, died the day after her Olympic crash.

Expert and Community Reactions

The skiing community has largely supported Vonn's decision to race, focusing on her courage and resilience.

  • Defense of Vonn's Choice: Skiing figures have defended her decision to compete, emphasizing that she pushed her limits.

  • No Blame for ACL: The consensus is that the torn ACL was not the reason for the crash.

  • Father's Concern: Reports suggest Vonn's father might prefer she retire from the sport.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Lindsey Vonn's participation in the Winter Olympics ended with a severe injury requiring extensive medical intervention. While she maintains her decision to compete, even with a torn ACL, was valid and not the cause of her crash, the complex tibia fracture signals a challenging recovery period. The focus now shifts to her recuperation, with further surgeries expected after her return home.

Read More: Scott and Woods Chosen as Australian Flag Bearers for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What injury did Lindsey Vonn get at the Winter Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn broke her tibia in a complex fracture during the downhill race at the Winter Olympics. She had to have more than five surgeries to fix it.
Q: Did Lindsey Vonn compete with an injury before crashing?
Yes, Lindsey Vonn had torn the ACL in her left knee just nine days before the downhill race. She decided to compete anyway, but she said this old injury did not cause her to crash.
Q: How many surgeries did Lindsey Vonn have after her crash?
Lindsey Vonn had at least five surgeries after her crash to fix her broken tibia. She also had a previous surgery with plates and screws in her knee from an older injury.
Q: What does Lindsey Vonn say about competing with a torn ACL?
Lindsey Vonn said she has no regrets about competing even though she had a torn ACL. She believes her decision to ski was her own and that the ACL injury did not cause her to crash during the race.
Q: When will Lindsey Vonn be able to go home after her surgeries?
Lindsey Vonn hoped to go home after her latest surgery in mid-February 2026. She knows she has a long way to go in her recovery and may need more surgeries later.