No one knows exactly what Lindsey Vonn's condition is at the moment. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

"Heartbreaking": Vonn's drama moves the sports world

The serious fall of ski star Lindsey Vonn in the Olympic downhill continues to move the sports world.

February 09, 2026

From: dpa/sn

The Italian newspaper wrote that it had been a "nightmare day" for the American woman. Journal of Sport After the drama, reports described a "heartbreaking turnaround" and a "shocking twist in the comeback." CNN.

“Nobody would wish this ending on Lindsey Vonn,” wrote the Swiss author. View and, under the title "Vonn's Life Between Heaven and Hell," looked back on the glorious career of the 41-year-old. Her fall had sent shivers down the spines of spectators on the famous Olimpia delle Tofane slope in Cortina d'Ampezzo, he described. Corriere dello Sport after Sunday's tragedy.

Reports about surgery on the left leg

Vonn crashed early in the downhill run after a mistake, hitting the piste hard, receiving lengthy treatment, and was eventually airlifted by helicopter. The former speed queen suffered serious injuries in the accident. "Apparently, it's a fracture in her lower leg," US team speed coach Alex Hödlmoser told the broadcaster. SRF said.

The Italian news agencies Handle and Adnkronos Later, sources citing the hospital in Treviso reported that Vonn had undergone surgery on her left leg. The Americans initially offered no confirmation or further details. The US ski team had previously only stated that the 2010 Olympic champion was injured but in stable condition and was being treated by both American and Italian doctors.

Lindsey Vonn reportedly underwent surgery in Treviso. © APA/afp / ANDREA PATTARO

Vonn desperately wanted to win a medal at the Winter Games in Italy to cap off her career and crown her much-anticipated comeback. The long-time dominant force in alpine skiing competed despite having suffered a torn cruciate ligament in her left knee just over a week prior, according to her own account. Instead of a happy ending, she experienced a sporting tragedy in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where she has won more races than anyone else in the World Cup.