Fell Just 13 Seconds After Start and Was Airlifted... "Queen of Skiing" Lindsey Vonn Successfully Completes Fourth Surgery

Sends message: "I hope my story gives you the strength to keep fighting"

Lindsey Vonn (41, United States), known as the "Queen of Skiing," suffered a serious injury in an unexpected accident at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics but announced that she has successfully undergone her fourth surgery.

On the 9th, Lindsey Vonn (41, United States) collided with a gate and fell just 13 seconds after the start of the alpine skiing downhill event at the Tofane Alpine Ski Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, during the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, and was airlifted by a medical helicopter. Vonn posted on her social media that she had successfully undergone surgery. Screenshot of Lindsey Vonn's social media.

On the 15th, Yonhap News, citing AP and other outlets, reported that Vonn successfully completed her fourth surgery on the 14th (local time) and is expected to return to her home in the United States soon.

Vonn said, "When I stood in the start gate, I knew it could be dangerous and I knew what the possible consequences might be," adding, "But I decided to take the risk." She continued, "I know many of you are saddened by what happened to me, but please do not be sad. I hope my story instead gives you the strength to keep fighting."

Vonn also said, "I am still waiting for the moment when I can once again stand on the top of a mountain," and added, "And I will do that," once again signaling her intention to return.

The previous day, Vonn wrote on her social media, "The last few days in the hospital have been really tough," but added, "If the surgery goes well, I will be able to be discharged and go home. Once I am back, I will have to undergo another surgery. The exact details of the procedure can only be confirmed after further tests." She went on to say, "My Olympic dream did not end the way I had imagined. It was not a fairy-tale ending, but that is life," and added, "The very fact that I stood in the start gate was a victory for me. Life is too short. The only failure is not giving yourself a chance."

However, French orthopedic specialist Bertrand Sonery-Cottet said in an interview with a local outlet, "It may take several months before she can walk normally," and noted, "Depending on the case, this type of injury can even lead to amputation."

On the 9th, Lindsey Vonn collided with a gate and fell just 13 seconds after the start of the alpine skiing downhill at the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, held at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, and was urgently airlifted by an air ambulance helicopter. AP Yonhap

On the 9th, Vonn collided with a gate and fell just 13 seconds after the start of the alpine skiing downhill event at the Tofane Alpine Ski Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, during the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, and was urgently airlifted by a medical helicopter. Immediately after the accident, she received initial treatment in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, then was transferred to a large hospital for surgery and further treatment. Tests revealed a diagnosis of a complex tibial fracture.

She had been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her last race before the Olympics but forced herself to compete at the Games for her "last dance," which made the situation all the more heartbreaking for those watching. In particular, had she won a medal at these Games, she would have set a new record as the oldest medalist at 41 years and 4 months, but this accident has put that record attempt on hold for now.

Vonn won the slalom gold medal at the 2010 Beijing Olympics and the downhill bronze medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games before abruptly retiring in 2019. Afterward, she underwent knee joint replacement surgery and rehabilitation, then announced a comeback for the 2024-2025 season. This season, she marked a spectacular return by winning two gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals in World Cup events, but her campaign at the Milan Games was cut short by the accident.