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JUST IN: Bedridden Lindsey Vonn Shares Update on Her ‘Pain,’ Speaks Out for the First Time After FIFTH Surgery on Her Broken Leg.

 

Los Angeles, CA — Olympic skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has spoken out for the first time since undergoing her fifth surgery on her shattered left leg, revealing that the pain has been “hard to manage” as she lies bedridden in a U.S. hospital. The three-time Olympic medalist, who fractured her tibia in a horrific crash during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, posted a brief but emotional update on her X account Friday afternoon.

“Just a quick update… my last surgery went well. It took a little over 6 hours,” Vonn wrote. “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.”

The 41-year-old skier returned to the United States last Sunday after four prior operations in Italy — the latest procedure was performed Wednesday, Feb. 18, at an undisclosed U.S. facility. Doctors stabilized her complex tibial fracture with an external fixator, which remains attached as part of her ongoing treatment.

Vonn’s injury saga began Jan. 30 when she tore her ACL in training, then crashed just 13 seconds into the Olympic downhill on Feb. 8, fracturing her tibia again — this time severely enough to require multiple reconstructive surgeries. Her comeback to the Olympics was hailed as one of the sport’s greatest stories, but the fall cut short her quest for another medal.

“I’m still wrapping my head around it, what it means and the road ahead,” Vonn added in her post, hinting at deeper emotional struggles beyond the physical pain.

Compounding her trauma, Vonn’s beloved 13-year-old dog Leo passed away Feb. 9 — the day after her crash — after battling lung cancer. She shared a heartfelt tribute, calling him “my first love” and saying he’d been by her side since her second ACL tear.

Fans and fellow athletes flooded social media with messages of support. Skiing legend Mikaela Shiffrin commented: “You’re a warrior, LV. We’re all rooting for you.” U.S. teammate Bella Wright echoed the sentiment: “She dared greatly. Now we pray she heals fully.”

Medical experts note that complex tibia fractures like Vonn’s often involve shattered bone segments and damaged soft tissue, requiring staged surgeries and prolonged rehab. “Pain management is one of the biggest challenges early on,” said Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, a knee specialist who warned such injuries can carry risks of amputation if complications arise.

Vonn’s update comes as Team USA continues its strong showing at the Games, currently sitting second in the medal count. Though unable to compete herself, Vonn remains vocal in cheering on her teammates.

“I’m going to give you more detail in the coming days,” she promised, offering hope that fuller insights into her recovery timeline and next steps are forthcoming.