Trending Now - Lindsey Vonn Addresses Retirement Speculation After Injury

WHO:

Lindsey Vonn, 41 years old, USA ski legend

Alan Kildow, Vonn's father

Dr. Tom Hackett, orthopedic surgeon with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team

WHAT:

Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg during the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Vonn underwent multiple surgeries on her left leg following the crash.

Vonn stated, "No, I'm not ready to discuss my future in skiing."

Vonn won two downhill races and earned a podium spot in three others during the 2025 season.

Vonn has 84 World Cup wins, 20 World Cup globe titles, and three Olympic medals.

WHERE:

The crash occurred at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.

Vonn was treated in Italy before returning to the United States.

The crash on January 30th took place in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

WHEN:

The crash occurred on February 8th, 2026.

Vonn's father publicly called for her retirement in February 2026.

Vonn returned to competition after nearly six years away from racing, retiring in 2019 and returning in 2024.

WHY:

Vonn's father believes her age and recent injury should lead her to retire, stating, "There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it."

Vonn expressed her desire to decide her future without external pressure, stating, "I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what makes me happy."

HOW:

Vonn is recovering from her injury by lifting weights and riding a stationary bike, stating, "I'm biking!! Starting with 5 minutes ... making progress one day at a time."

Vonn underwent a fasciotomy performed by Dr. Tom Hackett to save her leg from compartment syndrome.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 23:04 UTC)

In a serious incident at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, ski legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture in her left leg during the women's downhill event, prompting multiple surgeries and treatment in Italy before her return to the U.S. Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, has publicly called for her retirement, citing her age and recent injury, while Vonn herself has expressed a desire to make her own decisions about her skiing future, stating she doesn't need anyone's permission to pursue what makes her happy. Currently, Vonn is focusing on her recovery, engaging in weightlifting and stationary biking, and has shared her progress, saying, "I'm biking!! Starting with 5 minutes ... making progress one day at a time."