Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Surgery Hours After Crash at 2026 Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery to stabilize her leg on Sunday, just hours after a serious crash during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

The 41-year-old alpine skiing star was airlifted from the mountain in Cortina to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, Italy, on Sunday, Feb. 8.

“In the afternoon, she underwent orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture sustained in her left leg,” the hospital said in a statement, Reuters reported. The injury occurred in the same leg in which Vonn had torn her ACL just one week before the competition.

U.S. Ski & Snowboarding confirmed earlier in the day that Vonn was in stable condition.

“Lindsey sustained an injury, but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians,” the organization said.

The crash happened just 13 seconds into Vonn’s downhill run when her right ski pole became caught in a course marker. She remained on the ice for approximately 15 minutes as medical staff treated her and was heard crying out in pain.

Despite the frightening incident, Vonn was still showing support for her teammates. Breezy Johnson went on to win gold in the women’s downhill event, and afterward shared that Vonn continued cheering even after being injured.

“Her coach said she was cheering for me in the helicopter, so I hope for the best for her,” Johnson said after her victory. “I hope that it’s not too bad. My heart aches for her. It’s such a brutal sport sometimes.”

“It can hurt you so badly, but you keep coming back for more,” Johnson added, reflecting on the demands of alpine skiing.

Vonn’s sister also spoke during NBC’s broadcast following the crash, saying the family was anxiously awaiting updates and hoping for a positive outcome.

“That definitely was the last thing we wanted to see. It happened quick,” she said. “When that happens, you’re just immediately hoping she’s okay.”

She added that seeing stretchers brought out onto the course was especially alarming. “That’s not a good sign.”