Lindsey Vonn’s Health Challenges Following Injury
Lindsey Vonn’s primary health objective, according to a specialized French surgeon, is straightforward yet critical.
Dr. Bertrand Sonnerie-Côté, an orthopedic knee expert, assessed the fractured tibia of the renowned skier, who faced a severe accident during the women’s downhill event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, necessitating several surgeries. In a conversation with France’s RMC Sport, Vonn expressed the determination to avert amputation.
“The timeline is entirely unpredictable. It will be many months before she can walk normally again,” Sonnerie-Côté remarked.
“Her immediate goal is simply to retain her legs and regain the ability to walk. High-level skiing seems a long way off at this point. We aren’t there yet, but such a serious injury could lead to amputation.
He also mentioned that Vonn might face prolonged challenges with her limbs.
“Latest posts on her Instagram reflect that while the surgery was successful, the external fixator—a large pin in her left leg—has not yet fully addressed her fracture.” He noted that her injuries are extremely serious, likely causing issues for several months and potentially having lifelong implications.
Another French doctor, Nicolas Baudrier, affirmed the severity of Vonn’s injuries, highlighting the need for the external fixator as shown in her hospital images.
“There could have been some bone fragments, possibly comminuted fractures,” he explained, emphasizing the risks of skin, nerve, and muscle damage that could intensify the injury’s seriousness.
Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, shared his thoughts with The Associated Press, stating that if his daughter were to seek his advice, it would signify the end of her skiing career.
2026 Winter Olympics
“As long as I can influence decisions, there won’t be any more ski races for Lindsey,” he confirmed.
After her retirement in 2024, Vonn had been training for the 2026 Olympics, appearing to be on track for another podium finish until suffering a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, raising concerns just over a week before the downhill race.
The crash wasn’t due to her injuries; rather, she entered the gate too early, clipping it with her right arm just 13 seconds into the race.
“I had my third surgery today, and it was successful. However, ‘success’ now feels different than it did a few days ago,” Vonn shared in an Instagram post. “I’m making progress; albeit slowly, I believe I will be okay. Thank you to the fantastic medical team, my friends, family, and everyone around the globe for their unwavering support. I also want to congratulate my teammates and fellow Team USA athletes who have inspired me.”
She was striving for her fourth Olympic medal in Cortina, where she holds an impressive record of 12 World Cup victories.
Her medal collection includes gold in women’s downhill and bronze in super-G in 2010, plus bronze in women’s downhill in 2018.
