To a certain extent, Lindsey Vonn is the skiing equivalent of what Simone Biles has achieved in gymnastics. Both have dominated in their respective sports through the years.
Both Vonn and Biles have also found success at the Olympic level. Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, competed in her fifth Winter Olympics this year. Biles, on the other hand, has amassed 11 medals in three Olympic Games, making her the most decorated gymnast in history.
It’s Vonn who has been grabbing headlines lately amid the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Unfortunately, the 41-year-old’s fifth Olympic appearance came to a bitter end due to injury.
Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images
Vonn tore the ACL in her left knee just one week before the 2026 Olympics. This did not stop her from competing in the games, though.
On Sunday, she took part in her first event, the women’s downhill final. Things took a turn for the worse for Vonn just seconds into her run. She crashed after clipping a gate, resulting in a broken leg. The eight-time World Championships medalist underwent surgery and will no longer be able to compete for the rest of the Olympics.
Vonn took to social media on Monday to send a heartfelt message on the unfortunate turn of events. She expressed her regret but also hoped her journey would inspire everyone.
Vonn announced that she sustained a complex tibia fracture that will require multiple surgeries.
Biles was among the thousands who shared their support for Vonn after her injury announcement. Other Olympic stars also rallied behind the skiing legend.
“🤍🤍🤍” posted Biles.
“I’m proud of you for doing that. You are a lesson for all women that we are more than our age and people’s perceptions,” wrote rugby Olympian Ilona Maher.
“Forever an inspiration💛” said track and field icon Allyson Felix.
“The world is so proud of you. I am so proud of you,” gymnast Laurie Hernandez wrote.
“With you…💪” commented Slovenian ski racing legend Tina Maze.
Several other big-name sports personalities and celebrities also sent messages to Vonn.
“Always Inspiring my friend!!! The definition of mental toughness! Take a bow❤️❤️❤️❤️” reacted WNBA legend Lisa Leslie.
“so inspiring ❤️❤️❤️” stated tennis star Coco Gauff.
“LV, I'm so inspired by your courage to always challenge yourself. You are & will always be a true Champion 🏆” wrote Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon.
“Hero. Role Model. Legend. Power Woman. You‘re everything. Watch you race, win & loose, always was such a big inspiration to me. Thanks for everything you‘ve done in sports!! ❤️” German racing driver Sophia Florsch commented.
“You’re so brave and such a badass !!! ❤️❤️” said American supermodel Devon Windsor.
There is now a lot of uncertainty surrounding Vonn’s skiing career. She came out of retirement two years ago in order to compete at the 2026 Olympics. However, this recent injury has led to a lot of talk about her retirement.
Regardless of whether Vonn decides to call time on her iconic career, her legacy is no longer in question.