Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Second Surgery After Severe 2026 Olympic Downhill Crash

Lindsey Vonn, the acclaimed American alpine skier, has undergone a second surgery following a severe crash during the 2026 Olympic downhill event held in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Initially competing despite a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained days before the race, Vonn fell early into the competition after catching her right arm on a gate, resulting in a heavy crash into the snow and a serious knee injury.

The first surgery was focused on stabilizing her left leg, but medical staff determined a second operation was necessary to further ensure stabilization and address complications related to swelling and blood circulation. Both surgeries were performed by specialized orthopedic and plastic surgeons at the Ca’-Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Italy, where Vonn was transferred by helicopter after an initial three-hour treatment at the Olympic hospital Codivilla-Putti in Cortina. Present during the operations was Vonn's personal physician who assisted the surgical team.

According to updates from the hospital, Vonn is expected to remain hospitalized for several more days as part of her recovery process. Meanwhile, members of the US Olympic team have been providing privacy and support in her hospital room.

Vonn’s coach, Norwegian ski legend Aksel Lund Svindal, who began working with her in mid-2025, praised her bravery amid the ordeal. Svindal shared that despite the pain and severity of the crash, Vonn expressed encouraging words to her teammates, including congratulating Breezy Johnson on winning the gold medal in the downhill race—an event where Johnson narrowly defeated Germany’s Emma Aicher. Svindal commented on social media, "Lindsey, you are incredibly brave. You inspire those who follow your journey, and us who work closely with you every day."

The crash and injury have deeply affected fans and the skiing community, with reactions describing it as a "terrible ending" to Vonn’s final Olympic downhill run. The medical team has so far refrained from releasing further detailed statements about her condition.

As of now, Lindsey Vonn continues her recovery in the Treviso hospital, with the focus on her stabilization and eventual rehabilitation after this dramatic Olympic racing incident.