Lindsey Vonn believes that her ACL injury might have ultimately saved her leg. A week before a serious accident during the first round of the 2026 Winter Olympics, she tore her ACL. In an Instagram video shared after her hospital discharge, she noted that without that prior injury, amputation might have been necessary.
Vonn, now 41, revealed she suffered additional fractures and developed compartment syndrome, where pressure builds up in the muscles, causing pain and limiting blood flow.
“This was the most extreme, painful and difficult injury I’ve ever faced in my life, 100 times more,” Vonn expressed.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tom Hackett, who accompanied her to Milan, played a critical role. She acknowledged his efforts in performing a fasciotomy, which prevented the need for amputation. “Dr. Tom Hackett saved my life. He saved my leg from having to be amputated,” she stated. “If I hadn’t torn my ACL, Tom wouldn’t have been there.”
After returning to the U.S., Hackett conducted a six-hour surgery to reconstruct her leg. Vonn mentioned significant blood loss, resulting in a low hemoglobin level and the necessity for a transfusion. Additionally, she fractured her right ankle.
While she will be using a wheelchair for some time, Vonn mentioned that she’ll rely on crutches for two months before moving on from the wheelchair.
In the emotional video, Vonn reflected on her pain, acknowledging the challenges ahead but committing to persevere. “It’s better to make a downswing than not try at all,” she remarked. “I was really devastated, but I’m like Rocky. I just keep getting back up.”
