American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has undergone her ninth surgical procedure following a severe crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics that left her with a broken leg and ankle. The 42-year-old shared a video on social media before the operation, expressing a mix of anxiety and hope that this would be her final surgery.
"I'm praying this is the last one," Vonn said. "I'm nervous and anxious, but excited to hopefully put it behind me."
Vonn explained that the procedure aimed to remove all the hardware implanted during her previous eight surgeries, which were necessary to repair her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). "I've been waiting all these nine months so my bones could heal and we could fix the ACL," she said. "My bones healed, which is great news. But now I have the ACL, and that means another six to nine months."
A Terrifying Crash
The crash occurred during the Olympic downhill in Cortina, just nine days after Vonn ruptured ligaments in her left knee. She struck a gate and fell only 13 seconds into her run. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in alpine skiing, a sport where Vonn has long been a dominant force.
Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, has faced numerous setbacks throughout her career. She previously revealed that the operations she underwent were crucial in saving her leg from amputation. "The operations meant I didn't have to have my leg amputated," she disclosed, highlighting the severity of her injuries.
Regarded as one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time, Vonn retired in 2019 after a series of leg injuries. However, she made a shock return to competition in 2024 following a partial right knee replacement. Her resilience and determination have been hallmarks of her career, inspiring fans worldwide.
Vonn's achievements on the slopes are legendary. She has won 84 World Cup races, placing her second on the all-time women's list behind compatriot Mikaela Shiffrin. Her comeback story has been closely followed, and this latest setback only adds to the narrative of a athlete who refuses to give up.
As Vonn recovers from this latest surgery, the skiing community and her legion of fans will be hoping for a speedy and full recovery. Her journey serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity, and her legacy in the sport is already cemented.
