"My Leg Is Still In Pieces": Lindsey Vonn Returns To The U.S.
Lindsey Vonn’s horrific crash in the Women’s Downhill at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has been one of the top stories of the Games.
Charging back from retirement, Vonn won multiple times on the World Cup stage leading up to the Games, but suffered a torn ACL in a crash just a week prior to the Games starting.
Despite the torn ACL, Vonn assured fans that her crash in the Downhill final wasn’t related. “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever,” wrote Vonn in a social media post days after the crash.
It’s been over a week since Vonn crashed in Cortina, but she updated fans on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, that she had successfully made the journey back to the United States.
“My leg is still in pieces…but I’m finally coming home!” wrote Vonn in an Instagram post. She then explained how her travel day went, “Intensive care unit, ambulance, plane, ambulance, hospital.”
Vonn shared multiple clips in which she was transported in her hospital bed directly onto a small plane bound for the U.S. Tap or click below to watch. Keep reading for more.
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“My injury was a lot more severe than just a broken leg,” writes Vonn. “I’m still wrapping my head around it, and what it means and the road ahead… but I’m going to give you more detail in the coming days.”
Vonn has already undergone multiple surgeries to repair her broken leg, and based on her Instagram post, more are in the future. Notably, Vonn’s leg has been stabilized with an X-Fit, an external medical device that stabilizes bones and joints for healing.
If you watched the video above, the X-fit is the bizarre-looking contraption bolted to Vonn’s right leg.
Vonn told fans on X (formerly Twitter) that she hasn’t “stood on [her] feet in over a week,” and that she’s been immobilized since the race.
Vonn has received an outpouring of support from celebrities, teammates, and family members, which she expressed gratitude for in a video posted last week.
Even Cookie Monster, the iconic Sesame Street character, offered his condolences to the all-time skiing great. See below.
You are one tough cookie, @LindseyVonn! Me sending love, cookies, and this stylish and delicious hat! We are gonna look like twinsies! 🍪💙 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/WheezIRTT2
— Cookie Monster (@MeCookieMonster) February 16, 2026
Despite the grueling journey ahead, Vonn is remaining positive in her messaging to fans.
“This is a hard road I’m embarking on but… I can do this, and I still have no regrets. I will always believe in what’s possible. Always,” she wrote on X.
Stay tuned for more updates on Lindsey Vonn and the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics right here at POWDER.
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