Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 20:11 / Updated on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 20:39
Lindsey Vonn underwent another surgery in Treviso (Italy), the third on her knee, after the serious injury suffered in the downhill event at the Winter Olympics. The American skier sent an emotional message from her hospital bed shortly after surgery.
Considered one of the big stars of the competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Vonn was expected to fight for another Olympic medal. But the dream turned into a nightmare after a violent fall that left him with a compound fracture in his left leg.
PHOTO. Lindsey Vonn's message from her hospital bed
Lindsey Vonn, successful operation // PHOTO: Instagram
Shortly after the operation, Vonn posted an emotional message on Instagram, along with some pictures from the hospital bed in Treviso.
In one of them it can be seen the external fixator fitted to the athlete's left leg, a metal assembly of screws and bars designed to keep the fractured bones in proper alignment.
I had my third surgery today and it was successful. “Success” has a completely different meaning today than it did a few days ago. I'm making progress and even if it's slow, I know I'll be fine. I am grateful for all the incredible medical staff, friends and family who stood by me, and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people all over the world.
Also, huge kudos to my teammates and all the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me reasons to cheer and cheer.
– Vonn said on Instagram
Lindsey Vonn competed with a torn ligament
Just a few days before the Olympics, Lindsey Vonn had suffered a serious injury. Several specialists advised her not to participate, but the American chose to compete despite having a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
The downhill crash also left him with a fractured tibia, one that doctors say “will require multiple surgeries to properly repair.” After two initial interventions, the athlete underwent a third operation, which she announced was successful.
Who is Lindsey Vonn?
At 41 years old, Lindsey Vonn is one of the most successful skiing athletes in history. He won Olympic downhill gold in 2010 in Vancouver, where he also won bronze in the giant slalom. In 2018, in PyeongChang, he added an Olympic bronze, also in the downhill.
His track record also includes two world titles won in 2009, in Val d'Isere, in the downhill and super-G events.
Lindsey Vonn / Photo: Imago Images
Cortina d'Ampezzo, the host of the current edition of the Games, occupies a special place in his career: it was there that he achieved his first podium in the World Cup and also set, at one point, the record for victories on the circuit.
Vonn already had two World Cup wins this season, taking her total to 84, plus five more podium finishes.
