Olympic Legend Still Suffering From Devastating Crash That Shocked the World

Clear Facts

• Lindsey Vonn’s ankle remains broken five months after her Olympic crash in the women’s downhill final
• The 41-year-old skiing legend spent nearly three and a half months unable to walk unassisted, requiring a wheelchair and crutches
• Vonn competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics just one week after rupturing her ACL, demonstrating extraordinary courage before suffering another devastating crash 13 seconds into her final run

One of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics came early, when skier Lindsey Vonn delivered a gutsy performance for the ages by competing at 41 just a week after injuring her knee in a crash. Unfortunately, as admirable as her perseverance was, she injured herself badly in another crash just 13 seconds into her run in the women’s downhill final.

Five months later, Vonn is still very much dealing with her injuries.

“It’s been a very slow process,” Vonn told People while attending the ESPYs on Wednesday in New York City.

“It’s been five months since I’ve been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. And walking is actually still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken.”

Regardless of the outcome, her decision to attempt that run remains one of the most courageous moments of the Games. The injury before the Olympics wasn’t just a minor bump in the road; it was a completely ruptured ACL.

There was no questioning her courage, but the aftermath has been difficult.

“I was in a wheelchair for so long, I was on crutches for so long,” Vonn said.

“It was honestly almost three and a half months that I was unable to walk unassisted. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own.”

This week, Vonn posted an update on her recovery and said that she has “a very long road ahead.” The American skiing icon’s determination through this recovery process mirrors the same fighting spirit that made her one of the greatest athletes in winter sports history.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.