Lindsey Vonn Crashes Out with Severe Tibia Fracture at Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn’s final Olympic run ended in heartbreak, as the American skiing legend suffered a serious tibia fracture during the women’s downhill at Cortina. Just 13 seconds into her run, Vonn’s arm clipped a gate, sending her tumbling violently down the slope. Airlifted to a hospital in Treviso, she underwent immediate surgery to repair her left leg. At 41, Vonn was racing in her fifth and final Olympics, having already battled a ruptured ACL and a history of major knee injuries.
Despite the crash, Vonn says she has no regrets. Standing at the starting gate, knowing she had a real shot at Olympic gold again, she calls that moment a victory in itself. Her determination to compete, even after tearing her ACL just days before the Games, has sparked widespread admiration—but also debate about the risks athletes face in high-speed sports like downhill skiing.
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Fellow competitors defended her decision. U.S. teammate Keely Cashman stressed that Vonn’s crash had nothing to do with her previous injuries. Italy’s Federica Brignone emphasized that the choice to race is ultimately a personal one, while other teammates praised her courage and skill. The president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation highlighted the extreme unpredictability of ski racing, calling Vonn’s accident “a one-in-a-thousand” event.
Vonn’s comeback story was remarkable. After six years in retirement and a partial knee replacement, she returned to World Cup competition in 2025, claiming multiple podium finishes and victories. Her Olympic bid was about more than medals—it was a testament to resilience, ambition and the will to pursue a dream despite physical setbacks. Her crash underlines the dangers of elite skiing, where athletes routinely navigate speeds of up to 70 miles per hour on unforgiving courses.
This incident is a stark reminder of the fine line athletes walk between daring and danger. It sparks important questions about athlete safety, the demands of high-level competition and how much risk is acceptable in the pursuit of glory. Lindsey Vonn’s legacy, however, remains untarnished. She showed the world the meaning of courage under pressure and why she is considered one of the greatest speed skiers of all time.
Stay with us for continuing updates on Lindsey Vonn’s recovery and all the latest from the Winter Olympics, as we track the athletes, the drama and the unforgettable moments shaping this Games.
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