In a dramatic turn at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn, 41, suffered a catastrophic crash during the women’s downhill event, resulting in a complex tibia fracture that required multiple surgeries. Just days before, she had torn her ACL in training but powered through to compete. The accident saw her airlifted off the slopes in agony, sparking global concern for the three-time Olympic medalist’s future.
Lindsey Vonn airlifted from ski-course after crashing in final downhill before 2026 Winter Olympics | PBS News
Vonn has undergone at least four surgeries on her shattered leg, with warnings of potential amputation adding to the severity. Back in the US after her latest procedure, she shared a raw update: “My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally HOME. Despite the ordeal, Vonn’s resilience shines through. In an emotional social media post, she declared, “The ride was worth the fall. When I close my eyes at night I don’t have regrets and the love I have for skiing remains. I am still looking forward to the moment when I can stand on the top of the mountain once more. And I will.
Lindsey Vonn shares photo from hospital bed after third surgery following 2026 Olympics crash – Yahoo News Canada
This statement has fueled speculation about a potential return, possibly even to the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. Snowboarding legend Shaun White, witnessing her determination firsthand, backed her for a comeback: “Lindsey Vonn can ‘for sure’ return at French Alps 2030.”9f6197 White praised her history of overcoming injuries, noting, “The fact that she came back from previous injuries and got back out on the mountain and then started to win, that’s just got to be the most incredible feeling.
However, not everyone is optimistic. Prior to the 2026 Games, Vonn herself emphasized her focus was solely on Cortina, stating, “Everything that I do is for Cortina,” and indicating no immediate plans for 2030. Her father, Alan Kildow, was blunt: “She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career. There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn.”a24ffa Online sentiments echo this, with one X user posting, “Lindsey Vonn is 41. She’s not coming back… She’s not going to be 45 and competing in the 2030 Olympics.
The crash has also reignited debates on ski safety, particularly bindings that failed to release during the fall.3adb1a Vonn, no stranger to injuries, has battled back before, but at 45 by 2030, the odds seem long. Yet her vow to “stand on the top of the mountain once more” keeps the dream alive. Will we see Vonn defy gravity again? Only time—and her indomitable will—will tell.
