Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Comeback Ends in Heartbreak: Legend Suffers Complex Fracture in Cortina

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 11 February 2026 — The sporting world is reeling following the dramatic conclusion to one of the most audacious comebacks in Olympic history. American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, who returned to professional competition at the age of 41, saw her 2026 Winter Games end in a violent crash during the women’s downhill event on Sunday. Three days after being airlifted from the Olimpia delle Tofane piste, Vonn has confirmed the severity of her injuries, marking a poignant and likely final chapter in her storied career.

The Crash at Cortina: A Heroic Effort Cut Short

Vonn’s attempt to secure a fourth Olympic medal ended just seconds into her run. Despite showing remarkable form during training sessions earlier last week—where she placed second in the final downhill practice—the 41-year-old lost control on a challenging section of the course. Spectators and officials watched in silence as Vonn was heard shouting in agony before being attended to by medical personnel and eventually evacuated by helicopter.

In a statement released via Instagram on Monday, Vonn confirmed she sustained a “complex tibia fracture.” While the injury is currently stable, she noted that it will require multiple surgeries to repair. This latest setback follows revelations that Vonn had been competing with a severely compromised right knee; she recently disclosed that her “ACL is 100% gone,” a result of the cumulative damage from a career defined by both unparalleled speed and high-impact crashes.

The Road to 2026: Defying the Odds

Vonn’s return to the U.S. Ski Team in November 2024 was met with a mixture of awe and skepticism. Having retired in 2019 due to persistent pain and a battered right knee, she underwent a partial knee replacement that initially seemed to grant her a second lease on her athletic life. Her performance leading up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games was nothing short of extraordinary, including two World Cup victories and five podium finishes this winter season.

A Legacy of Records

Regardless of the tragic end to her 2026 campaign, Vonn’s place in the pantheon of winter sports is secure. She remains the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the downhill and holds a staggering collection of titles that span nearly two decades of elite competition.

“No Regrets”: Vonn Addresses the Critics

The comeback sparked intense debate within the skiing community. While many viewed her return as an inspiration, others, including some former competitors, questioned the safety of racing at such high speeds with a reconstructed knee. FIS President Johan Eliasch expressed his support for Vonn following the crash, while others suggested she had “played with her health.”

Vonn, however, remains defiant. In her first public comments since the accident, she stated she has “no regrets” about her Olympic attempt. For Vonn, the comeback was not about nostalgia, but a genuine belief that she could still compete at the highest level—a belief validated by her podium finishes earlier this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Lindsey Vonn suffer at the 2026 Olympics?

Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture during the women’s downhill race in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The injury is stable but will require several surgeries.

When did Lindsey Vonn first retire?

Vonn originally retired from professional skiing in 2019, citing the physical toll of numerous injuries throughout her career.

How many Olympic gold medals does Lindsey Vonn have?

Lindsey Vonn has one Olympic gold medal, which she won in the downhill event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Why did Lindsey Vonn decide to come back at age 41?

Following a partial knee replacement in 2024 that eliminated her chronic pain, Vonn felt physically capable of returning to the sport. She officially rejoined the U.S. Ski Team in November 2024 to pursue a final Olympic appearance.