Lindsey Vonn was airlifted after a crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics; doctors say she has a complex tibia fracture
What happened
– On February 9, former Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn crashed 13 seconds into her downhill run at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Treviso and taken into surgery soon after arrival.
– U.S. Ski & Snowboard and team doctors say the fall began when Vonn’s right pole clipped a gate, twisting her body and sending her off course. Medical teams at the scene reported she was in intense pain.
– Vonn had raced despite a torn ACL in her left knee nine days earlier and a prior titanium implant in her right knee. She has said the decision to start was deliberate and that she has no regrets.
Medical condition and care so far
– On February 13, Vonn posted a video from her hospital room confirming that doctors have diagnosed a complex tibia fracture. Hospital teams described the injury as stable for now but said multiple surgeries will be needed to repair the damage fully.
– Emergency responders reached her within minutes, applied spinal precautions, immobilized the limb, and followed pre-planned evacuation routes to a trauma-capable centre. Imaging and an initial operation were performed to stabilize the leg; more procedures are expected once detailed scans clarify the full extent of the injury.
– She’s conscious, receiving specialist care, and being visited by family, teammates and medical staff. In her update she thanked supporters, said recovery is progressing “day by day,” and warned there is a “long, long way to go.”
What comes next medically
– Teams will run further CT/MRI imaging to map bone fragments and any soft-tissue damage. Surgeons are likely to stage reconstruction—internal fixation, possible bone grafting—and will prioritize infection prevention and wound care.
– Rehabilitation will be long and structured: progressive weight-bearing, intensive physical therapy, and close monitoring for complications. Multidisciplinary consultations are already underway to shape the recovery timeline.
Vonn’s response and reactions
– In her social update Vonn thanked people for flowers, messages and hospital visits, and encouraged Team USA. True to form, she framed the choice to race as part of a life philosophy of chasing big goals—she said she has no regrets.
– Reactions have been mixed but supportive: teammates and fellow athletes emphasized her autonomy and courage; her father urged retirement, acknowledging ultimately it’s her decision. The wider sporting community has rallied around her while also calling for care and reflection.
Safety, investigations and practical lessons
– Serious crashes trigger standard incident reviews: organisers and federations typically examine course design, equipment, medical readiness and response times. Event staff are expected to document medical reviews, emergency plans and hospital transfer agreements; rehearsed evacuation routes and clear roles for responders reduce time to definitive care.
– For teams and organisers the practical priorities are simple and urgent: ensure evacuation plans are current and practised, confirm trauma-surgeon availability and transfer agreements with local hospitals, and keep clear documentation of medical clearances and timelines.
– For athletes and medical teams, transparent communication and careful, documented clinical decision-making will guide choices about return to sport.
What to expect next
– More medical updates will follow as imaging and surgical plans are confirmed. Official statements from the hospital and Vonn’s representatives will likely focus on procedure milestones and the rehabilitation timetable.
– Investigations into the incident and any operational lessons will proceed in parallel; their findings could influence safety procedures and pre-race medical clearance policies going forward. Multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation lie ahead; she remains grateful for support and firm in her decision to race. The coming days will clarify the surgical plan and the road to recovery.