Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Surgery After Dramatic Crash at Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn, a former Olympian alpine skier, underwent surgery to stabilize a fracture in her left leg, according to officials at an Italian hospital. This medical intervention followed a severe crash during her run at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Vonn, who was attempting to earn a medal in the women’s downhill skiing event despite dealing with a ruptured ACL, lost control early in her race and crashed during the first sector. The incident left her in considerable pain, requiring immediate medical attention at the scene.

A statement from the Ca’Foncello hospital in Treviso confirmed that Vonn is now being cared for by a multidisciplinary team. The U.S. Ski Team also communicated that she is in stable condition, receiving support from both American and Italian physicians.

Anouk Patty, the chief of sport for U.S. Ski and Snowboard, commented on the demanding nature of the sport, noting, “This sport’s brutal and people need to remember when they’re watching (that) these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain and going really, really fast.”

Breezy Johnson, another competitor, expressed empathy for Vonn’s situation, reflecting on the emotional toll such injuries can take. Having missed the 2022 Games due to a knee injury herself, Johnson remarked, “I can’t imagine the pain that she’s going through; and it’s not the physical pain — we can deal with physical pain — but the emotional pain is something else.”

International Ski and Snowboard Federation president Johan Eliasch acknowledged Vonn’s contributions to the sport despite the unfortunate occurrence. Eliasch stated, “I can only say thank you for what she has done for our sport.” He added that the race captured significant attention, showcasing the sport positively during the games.