The dream is officially over for Lindsey Vonn. The 41-year-old skiing legend headed into the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics with the hope of writing a comeback story like no other. She entered the Winter Olympics with a torn left ACL, a surgically repaired right knee and the goal of further establishing herself as one of the greatest of all time.
Vonn’s Olympic dream came crashing down at the downhill final on Sunday, though. The five-time Olympian crashed just seconds into her first event. Vonn fractured her leg and had to undergo surgery. The injury ruled her out for the remainder of the Games.
Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images
Vonn took to social media on Monday to send a heartfelt message on the unfortunate turn of events. She revealed that she had “sustained a complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly.”
Vonn then sent an inspirational message to her fans.
“I tried. I dreamt. I jumped,” part of her post read.
“I hope if you take away anything from my journey it’s that you all have the courage to dare greatly. Life is too short not to take chances on yourself. Because the only failure in life is not trying.”
Team USA reacted to Vonn’s message with a powerful statement.
“Forever a legend. 🇺🇸 Thank you, @lindseyvonn, for always choosing bravery and for inspiring generations to chase big dreams,” Team USA posted on Instagram.
Team USA’s statement quickly drew fans' attention on social media.
“The greatest inspiration 👏👏👏” a comment read.
“LEGEND!! 🙌❤️” another said.
“The GOAT 🐐 💯” posted a user.
“A tenacious CHAMP!!!! 🙌” a reaction read.
“Strength and honor….its been an incredible run 🇺🇸” said another.
“High risk reward sport. Respect to all Olympic ski athletes that dream big, work hard, take risks,” a fan wrote.
Vonn was originally scheduled to compete in two more events at the Winter Olympics. Team USA will field a modified lineup for the team combined event on Tuesday. Vonn will also miss the super-G event, where she won bronze in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.