Lindsey Vonn shares difficult recovery after devastating Winter Olympics injury

Lindsey Vonn has revealed that her recovery from the devastating crash she suffered at the 2026 Winter Olympics is far from over, admitting her ankle is "still broken" five months after the accident.

The 41-year-old alpine skiing legend sustained a complex tibia fracture in her left leg after crashing during the women's downhill final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on February 8.

She was airlifted to a hospital, where she underwent four surgeries to repair the severe injuries.

Reflecting on her recovery, Vonn said progress has been slow and that everyday activities remain challenging.

"It's been five months since I've been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way," she said. "Walking is actually still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken."

Despite the ongoing difficulties, Vonn has reached an important milestone by walking without assistance after spending months relying on a wheelchair and later crutches.

She revealed that she was unable to walk independently for nearly three and a half months, describing the moment she finally took unassisted steps as an emotional achievement.

Earlier this month, Vonn shared an update on Instagram documenting her gradual return to exercise.

The video showed her rebuilding strength in the gym as she continues her lengthy rehabilitation.

"I knew one day I'd get here, just didn't know how long it would take me," she wrote, adding that while there is still a long road ahead, both her physical and mental strength are improving.

Shortly after the crash, Vonn disclosed that she nearly lost her leg because of complications from compartment syndrome, a serious condition caused by pressure building inside the muscles following traumatic injury.

She credited orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tom Hackett, who works with Team USA, with saving her leg through an emergency fasciotomy procedure that relieved the pressure and prevented amputation.

Vonn explained that her recovery is expected to take around a year before doctors determine whether additional surgery will be needed to remove the metal hardware in her leg. She also plans to undergo surgery to repair the torn ACL she suffered.

Looking back, the Olympic champion believes one unexpected twist ultimately worked in her favour.

Because she had torn her ACL shortly before the Winter Olympics, Dr Hackett was already on site when the crash occurred.

"If I hadn't torn my ACL... Doctor Tom Hackett wouldn't have been there," Vonn said, adding that the surgeon's quick intervention saved her leg from amputation.

Although her rehabilitation continues, Vonn remains optimistic as she steadily works toward regaining her strength after one of the most serious injuries of her decorated career.