Lindsey Vonn, the American alpine skiing legend, has confirmed her intention to return to the slopes following a devastating crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 41-year-old Olympian told People magazine she will “definitely” ski again, whether on the racecourse or not, as she prepares for a sixth surgery this fall.
Vonn suffered a severe tibial fracture and anterior cruciate ligament tear during the women’s downhill event in February, an injury that triggered a medical crisis including compartment syndrome that nearly led to leg amputation. Since the crash, she has undergone five surgeries, with a sixth procedure planned for the autumn.
“I am someone who plans for success, so I am also planning a full recovery,” Vonn said in the interview. She emphasized that whereas a return to World Cup competition remains uncertain, her passion for speed endures. “Maybe I’ll find a fast car and a racetrack somewhere,” she joked, underscoring her enduring love for velocity.
Before the upcoming operation, Vonn intends to spend a lengthy summer vacation focusing on healing and enjoying activities beyond skiing. She plans to proceed diving and has arranged for a friend to teach her kitesurfing. “Skiing isn’t the only thing I do,” she noted, highlighting her desire to reclaim a sense of normalcy during rehabilitation.
The injury marked a stark contrast to her expectations heading into the Games. Vonn had returned to the Alpine World Cup circuit in 2024 after a five-year absence and was considered a gold medal contender in Cortina. Instead, her Olympic campaign ended in turmoil, adding to a career already defined by resilience amid numerous injuries.
Throughout her storied career, Vonn has accumulated 84 World Cup victories, four overall titles (2008–2010, 2012), and Olympic gold in the downhill at Vancouver 2010. She is tied for the most World Cup wins by a female skier and remains one of the sport’s most decorated athletes despite frequent setbacks.
As she navigates this latest chapter of recovery, Vonn’s focus is on healing first, with any potential return to competitive skiing secondary to regaining full health. Her determination to ski again — in any form — reflects a lifelong relationship with speed and sport that has defined her journey since her World Cup debut at age 16 in 2000.
The next confirmed step in Vonn’s recovery is her sixth surgery, scheduled for the fall of 2026. No official timeline has been provided for when she might resume skiing, competitive or recreational.
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