Lindsey Vonn’s recovery from her devastating crash at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is continuing, but another major procedure is now ahead of her.
The American skiing legend is scheduled to undergo surgery in November to remove the plates and other hardware inserted into her left leg following her Olympic downhill accident. The operation will also address the torn ACL she suffered in an earlier crash. Afterward, Vonn faces another lengthy rehabilitation period before deciding whether she will compete again.
For now, Vonn remains uncertain about her racing future. She said her immediate priority is returning to full health and eventually getting back on the mountain before making any decision about racing.
“You’ll always find me on a mountain,” Vonn told USA TODAY Sports. “I don’t know when that’ll be … and I don’t know what speed I’ll be going.”
She added that she still has many unanswered questions and does not want to completely rule out a return to competition. However, she wants to reach 100% fitness and experience skiing again before determining whether racing remains part of her future.
Vonn’s February 8 Olympic crash caused severe damage. She sustained a compound fracture and tibial plateau fracture in her left leg, along with a broken right ankle. She also developed compartment syndrome, requiring a fasciotomy to prevent further damage to her leg.
Despite the seriousness of the injuries, Vonn has made significant progress. She was using crutches within two months and walked independently on the red carpet at the Met Gala in May, although she acknowledged needing assistance with the steps.
She has since progressed to cycling and playing tennis. Vonn said returning to the tennis court made her nervous because she still does not have a repaired ACL, but she was pleased to be active again and said she had been free of pain for some time.
That progress makes the November operation particularly difficult emotionally. Vonn knows the ACL needs to be repaired and that keeping numerous plates and other hardware in her leg indefinitely is not an option.
“It’s easier to process when you have an injury and you know you have to have an immediate surgery,” she said, explaining that it is harder after months of feeling better.
However, Vonn said her long-term health remains her priority. She wants the hardware removed and the ACL repaired so she can move forward with the next stage of her recovery.
For now, her return to competitive skiing remains undecided.
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