Lindsey Vonn nearly lost leg after crash at 2026 Winter Olympics
CBS Sports
by
Carter Bahns
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lindsey Vonn, one of the most accomplished American skiers in history, faced a life-altering injury during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. In a harrowing incident during the women's downhill event, Vonn suffered a severe tibia fracture and broken ankle after a crash, which left her struggling to retain her leg. She was airlifted from the mountain and underwent emergency surgery led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett. To prevent amputation, Vonn required a fasciotomy—a procedure that involves cutting open the leg to relieve life-threatening compartment syndrome caused by excessive pressure due to swelling and bleeding.
Vonn's recovery journey has been far from smooth. Her hospital stay was extended due to low hemoglobin levels resulting from blood loss during her surgeries. Despite the pain and challenges, she expressed gratitude for Dr. Hackett’s expertise, which saved her leg after a six-hour operation. Vonn revealed that her ACL tear just weeks prior played a crucial role in her ability to recover, as it ensured Dr. Hackett was already part of her medical team. Reflecting on her experience, Vonn described the injury as the most extreme she had ever faced, yet she remained hopeful and focused on her eventual return to skiing.
The 41-year-old icon acknowledged that her Olympic campaign did not end as planned, but she remains proud of her career
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026