Lindsey Vonn Opens Up About Horrific Olympic Injury That Almost Led to Amputation
At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn delivered a chilling update that shocked the sporting world. The 41-year-old ski legend revealed her brutal downhill crash on Feb. 8, 2026, didn’t just break bones, it nearly cost her a leg. Her raw account of the injury and the life-saving surgery is nothing short of spine-tingling.
From Crash to Near‑Amputation: Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Ordeal
What Really Happened in the Milan‑Cortina Downhill?
Lindsey Vonn’s 2026 Olympic downhill run on February 8 ended in disaster just 13 seconds in. The 41‑year‑old ski great crashed hard after clipping a gate, sending her tumbling off course. Initial reports focused on her complex left tibia fracture, but new details show it was far worse.
How Close Was Vonn to Losing Her Leg?
Vonn revealed in an Instagram video on February 23 that she developed compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition where pressure builds in a muscle and cuts off blood flow. Without quick action, this can lead to permanent muscle death or amputation.
Vonn credited Dr. Tom Hackett, Team USA’s orthopedic surgeon, with saving her leg by performing an emergency fasciotomy, cutting open the tissue to relieve pressure and restore circulation. “He saved my leg,” she said.
What Other Injuries Did She Suffer?
Bullets on the damage:
- Left tibia fracture and fibular head fracture.
- Broken right ankle.
- Compartment syndrome requiring urgent surgery.
- Blood transfusion due to heavy blood loss.
What’s Next for Vonn?
Vonn is now home and focusing on rehab. Doctors estimate about one year for bone healing before addressing her torn ACL. Despite the brutal setback, she says she has no regrets about competing and will keep fighting through recovery.
Bottom Line
Lindsey Vonn’s 2026 Olympic crash was a brutal reminder of the risks in elite skiing. Her courage and determination to recover keep her legacy as a true alpine legend alive.
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