Lindsey Vonn reveals ankle hasn’t healed since Olympic accident

Lindsey Vonn is one of the most decorated Alpine skiers in American history. She returned to competition at age 40 in late 2024 and qualified for her fifth Olympics at 41. Her Olympic comeback ended in a devastating crash during the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Games.

Just 13 seconds into her run, Vonn crashed and suffered complex fractures to her left leg and a broken right ankle. 5 months later, she said walking remained difficult, and her ankle was still broken, underscoring the severity and length of her recovery. Her latest update shows just how difficult the road back to full health can be for even the toughest athletes.

A gutsy return to the slopes

Vonn announced her return to competitive skiing in November 2024 after retiring in 2019. She resumed racing at age 40 and qualified for her fifth Olympics at 41. Fans and experts alike were amazed by her determination to compete again at such a high level.

On January 30, 2026, just 9 days before the Olympic downhill, she completely ruptured the ACL in her left knee during a World Cup crash in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Medical experts described competing with the injury as risky but possible, and Vonn refused to withdraw from the Games.

She said her ACL had been fully functional right up until the crash, but was “100% gone” afterward. Wearing a knee brace, she completed the required Olympic training runs, and her coach said she skied intelligently without taking major risks. Her decision to compete became one of the Games’ most closely watched storylines.

The crash that changed everything

Vonn began her Olympic downhill run in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 8. Just 13 seconds into the race, her right shoulder clipped a gate, sending her tumbling through the air and ending her Olympic run. Medical staff rushed to her side and placed her on a stability board. She was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for emergency care.

The injury turned out to be far more serious than anyone expected. Vonn suffered complex fractures to her left tibia and fibula and a broken right ankle. Her left ACL had already been ruptured in a separate World Cup crash 9 days earlier, and Vonn later said the knee injury did not cause the Olympic crash. It marked one of the most dramatic moments of the entire Winter Olympics.

A leg injury that nearly cost more

After surgery, doctors placed Vonn in an intensive care unit to recover. She fell asleep only to wake up screaming in pain hours later. Her leg had begun swelling rapidly and would not stop. Doctors gave her powerful pain medication, including fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone. None of the narcotics was able to control her extreme pain.

Medical staff soon realized she was suffering from compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome can cause permanent damage or even require amputation if untreated. Dr. Tom Hackett, the head physician for Team USA Ski and Snowboard, worked quickly to save her leg. His swift action is credited with preventing an even worse outcome.

Months of surgeries and slow healing

Vonn underwent several surgeries in Italy before returning home to the United States. By her own account, she has now had 6 operations. Each procedure aimed to repair the fractures and stabilize her leg. She spent weeks unable to stand or put any weight on her leg.

A wheelchair became her primary way of getting around during the early months. Crutches eventually replaced the wheelchair as her recovery slowly progressed.

Vonn has said it took almost 3.5 months before she could walk without assistance. That milestone alone represented a major step forward in her recovery. Still, she has been candid that full healing remains far away. Fun fact: Vonn holds 84 career World Cup wins, the second most by any woman in skiing history.

Fun fact: Vonn holds 84 career World Cup wins, the second most by any woman in skiing history.

Speaking out at the ESPYs

Vonn attended the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City in July. She spoke with reporters on the red carpet about her ongoing recovery. Her comments offered the clearest update yet on her physical condition. She told People that walking is still really hard for her.

Vonn admitted her ankle is still broken 5 months after the crash. Her honesty struck a chord with fans who had closely followed her Olympic journey.

She also revealed she still has no ACL in her left leg. Vonn said she needs surgery to remove metal hardware from her leg and repair the ligament. Despite the setbacks, she remained upbeat about her long-term progress.

Inside her daily rehab routine

Vonn described her recovery schedule in detail during an interview with The Athletic. Her mornings start early with breakfast, followed by hours of rehab at home. The structured routine reflects the discipline she built over decades of elite competition.

After a short break, she spends time in a hyperbaric chamber for decompression. This treatment is often used to speed healing in damaged tissue. She then returns home for another short rest before her workout session.

Evening workouts typically run for more than an hour before she finally rests. The demanding schedule shows just how seriously she treats her physical recovery. Vonn has said the process has tested her patience as much as her body.

Sharing her progress with fans

Vonn has used social media to document her recovery journey since the crash. On July 8, she marked 5 months since her injury with an Instagram post. The video showed her working to stand and move in the gym.

She wrote that she always knew she would reach this point eventually. Vonn admitted she never expected the process to take this long. Her honesty about the mental side of recovery resonated with many followers.

She noted that her strength is returning, even if progress feels slow. Vonn described the improvement as more mental than physical at this stage. Fans praised her openness about the emotional toll of a long recovery.

What comes next for Vonn

Vonn has not ruled out a return to competitive skiing once she heals fully. She remains focused on regaining strength before deciding whether to race again. Her track record suggests she will not rush the process.

She still needs surgery to remove hardware and address her missing ACL. Doctors will likely monitor her progress closely before clearing her for intense training. Any comeback would depend entirely on how her body responds to treatment.

Vonn’s career has already included five Olympic appearances across more than two decades. Whatever she decides next, her legacy in skiing is already secure. Fans will continue to watch closely as her remarkable story unfolds.

Little-known fact: Vonn was airlifted off the mountain after a training crash at the 2006 Torino Olympics, too.

TL DR

• Lindsey Vonn crashed 13 seconds into her downhill run at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• She suffered a complex tibia fracture and a torn ACL, and later developed compartment syndrome.
• Doctors credit quick surgery with saving her leg from possible amputation.
• Vonn revealed at the 2026 ESPYs that her ankle is still broken 5 months later.
• She has not ruled out a future return to competitive skiing once fully healed.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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