Lindsey Vonn’s Post-Olympic Recovery: Uncertain Path to a Possible Return

On Feb 8, 2022, during the women’s downhill at the Beijing Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn crashed 13 seconds into the race, sustaining a complex left tibia fracture that nearly required amputation. The injury halted a season in which she led the World Cup downhill standings and had never finished worse than fourth.

ESPN

The fracture required eight surgeries, including a titanium knee implant from prior injuries, and left a torn ACL that will need one more operation to remove hardware and reconstruct the ligament. Vonn’s career includes 84 World Cup wins, three Olympic medals (2010 downhill gold) and a second-place ranking in all-time women’s World Cup victories behind Mikaela Shiffrin.

ESPN

In an Associated Press interview, Vonn said she is not emotionally ready to decide on retirement or a comeback and will focus on healing. She has not discussed a return with her doctor, noting that any competitive comeback would not be realistic until the 2027-28 season after completing ACL reconstruction and at least a year-and-a-half of rehabilitation.

ESPN

Vonn’s father, speaking after the crash, suggested her career might be over, reflecting worries about the dangers of returning to a sport Vonn calls “one of the most dangerous.” Vonn acknowledged the concern but emphasized her history of taking calculated risks, including racing a week after a prior ACL tear.

ESPN

Feb 8 2022 – crash; eight surgeries completed; final ACL and hardware-removal surgery slated for 2023; six-month post-op rehab; additional 12-month conditioning; earliest realistic return window 2027-28.

ESPN

• “I just don't want to jump to any conclusions or even speculate on what I might do,” — Lindsey Vonn, Olympic skier.

ESPN

• “Regardless, nothing would really happen until '27-28 because I still have one more surgery left to take out the metal and to replace my ACL.” — Lindsey Vonn.

ESPN

• “He forgot the cardinal rule with me is that if you don't want me to do something, you shouldn't tell me I can't.” — Lindsey Vonn quoting her father.

ESPN

Vonn expects to undergo the final hardware-removal and ACL reconstruction surgery within months, followed by six months of recovery and a year of conditioning. She indicated that any decision on retirement or a competitive return will be made after she reaches a stable health baseline, which she expects will not occur until the 2027-28 season.

ESPN