Skier Lindsey Vonn Undergoes Ninth Surgery Following Olympic Crash

American skier Lindsey Vonn has undergone her ninth surgical procedure following a severe crash during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina. The 42-year-old athlete suffered a broken leg and ankle when she struck a gate just 13 seconds into the Olympic downhill race. This latest medical intervention follows her decision to return to competitive skiing in 2024 after previously retiring in 2019 due to physical injuries. Before going into the hospital, Vonn shared a video message online stating she felt nervous and anxious about the upcoming procedure, though she hoped it would mark her final operation and allow her to put the ordeal behind her. Surgeons removed metal hardware previously placed during eight past surgeries intended to fix her anterior cruciate ligament. Vonn waited nine months for her bones to heal before doctors could address the ligament damage, and she now faces another six to nine months of recovery. During her distinguished career, Vonn captured the 2010 Olympic downhill title and secured 84 World Cup victories, placing her second on the all-time women's win list behind fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin. Past surgeries on her legs ultimately saved her from needing an amputation following earlier accidents.

Context

Major winter sports injuries often require multiple surgeries and extended healing periods due to the extreme speeds and high-impact nature of downhill racing. Athletes frequently rely on metal hardware to stabilize joints and bones before undergoing follow-up procedures once initial fractures heal.