Lindsey Vonn returns home after horror Olympic crash

February 17, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lindsey Vonn says being back in the United States “feels amazing” even though she still cannot stand on her own.

The three-time Olympic medalist returned home after more than a week hospitalized in Italy following a violent crash during the women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics. For one of the most decorated and injury-tested skiers in U.S. history, the latest setback adds another chapter to a career defined as much by resilience as medals.

A Devastating Fall on the Olympic Stage

Vonn went down during her opening downhill run when her arm became entangled in a gate, causing her to lose control and tumble down the course. Medical personnel treated her on the slope before she was transported by helicopter to a medical facility in Cortina. She was later transferred to Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso for further treatment.

Doctors determined she had sustained a complex fracture of her tibia in the same leg where she had torn her ACL prior to the Games. The 41-year-old underwent four surgeries. Reports during her hospitalization raised concerns about the severity of the injury and the potential risk of amputation.

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Cleared to Leave Italy

According to Reuters, which cited two sources familiar with the situation, Vonn was discharged over the weekend and headed to the airport to return to the United States to continue her recovery.

After her fourth surgery, Vonn shared an update on social media, writing:
"Surgery went well today [Sunday]! Thankfully I will be able to finally go back to the US! Once I’m back I will give you more updates and info about my injury…."

Once home, she posted again on X, describing the physical toll of the past week:
"Haven’t stood on my feet in over a week… been in a hospital bed immobile since my race. And although I’m not yet able to stand, being back on home soil feels amazing.

"Huge thank you to everyone in Italy for taking good care of me."

https://twitter.com/lindseyvonn/status/2023588031521865826

Family Support During Recovery

Vonn also shared a video on Instagram filmed by her sister, Karin Kildow, documenting moments from her hospital stay. In the caption, she wrote:
"Thankful for friends, family, my team and all the medical staff that are getting me back to myself….

"I’m slowly coming back to life, back to basics and the simple things in life that mean the most. Smile. Laugh. Love."

Kildow spoke publicly about her sister’s recovery in an interview with TMZ Sports, describing the experience as emotionally and physically taxing.

"It’s been a rough one, been in the hospital a lot. Just one day at a time. She’s super strong, but there’s a lot of surgeries and things. We’re working on getting her back to the U.S.," she said.

Addressing criticism surrounding Vonn’s decision to compete in the Olympics after previously tearing her ACL, Kildow added:
"You know what? Everyone’s gonna have their thing to say, I think... but she’s strong and she did it."

For Vonn who has battled multiple major injuries throughout her career the road to recovery is once again underway. Whether she competes again remains uncertain, but her immediate focus appears to be regaining strength step by step.

Sources: Reuters, TMZ Sports