Lindsey Vonn was hoping to pull off the comeback of the century at the 2026 Olympics. Unfortunately, she's left recovering from a devastating leg injury.
Despite suffering a ruptured ACL before the Olympics, Vonn decided to compete at the Winter Games. Although she said her preexisting injury wasn't the reason for her downfall, she suffered a complex tibia fracture during the Olympic downhill race. She has already had five surgeries since sustaining the injury.
After completing her fifth procedure, Vonn went on social media to provide an update on her health. The three-time Olympic medalist admit that it's been hard to manage the pain.
"Just a quick update… my last surgery went well. It took a little over 6 hours," Vonn wrote on X. "I have been recovering from the surgery but pain has been hard to manage. Making slow progress but I hope I can be out of the hospital soon. Thank you all for the support."
Vonn's fans immediately sent her encouraging messages after receiving this update.
"Glad the surgery went well, Lindsey! Sorry to hear about the tough pain management, but you're one of the strongest out there—keep making that progress. Hoping you're out of the hospital soon and back to full strength," one fan said.
"Stay positive always, wish you speedy recovery," a second fan commented.
© Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images.
It's been a tragic month for Vonn.
Vonn revealed earlier this week that her dog, Leo, passed away just one day after her horrific crash at the Olympics.
“The day I crashed, so did Leo. He had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer (he survived lymphoma a year and a half ago) but now his heart was failing him. He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind. As I layed in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy. I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe it. My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most. He held me on the sofa as I watched the Sochi Olympics. He lifted me up when I was down. He layed by me, and cuddle me, always making me feel safe and loved. We have been through so much together in 13 years,” Vonn wrote.
“It’s going to be a while before I emotionally process things but I know he will always be with me. I know he’s up there with Lucy and Bear and my mom and grandparents and so many people I have lost in the past few years. And I takes solace knowing he’s not in pain anymore. There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love.”
Vonn has proved over the years that she's incredibly resilient. We're certainly hoping that helps her get through this rough patch.