American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn saw her Olympic return end in heartbreak after a devastating crash during the women’s downhill event in Cortina. Competing at her fifth Winter Games, the 41-year-old clipped the first gate just seconds into her run on the famed Olimpia delle Tofane course, losing control and suffering what was later confirmed as a complex tibia fracture.
Vonn, already managing prior knee injuries, was treated on the slope before being airlifted to hospital. She has since undergone multiple surgeries, describing the latest procedure as successful while acknowledging that recovery will be slow.
Sports medicine physician Jesse Morse, M.D., explained that the fracture required the use of an external fixator — a stabilizing frame often used in severe leg breaks — underscoring the seriousness of the injury.
Despite the setback, Vonn expressed gratitude to medical staff, teammates, and fans worldwide. She emphasized she has no regrets about competing, saying that standing in the starting gate again was a moment she will always cherish.
