U.S. Skier Lindsey Vonn Responds To Those Who Called Her “Selfish” For Competing In The Olympics
Lindsey Vonn Shares Message For Those Criticizing Her (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP via Getty Images)
Lindsey Vonn Fractures Left Leg During 2026 Winter Olympics
On Sunday, February 8th, U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn fractured her left leg in a crash during the downhill competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After being airlifted to the hospital, her teammate Breezy Johnson pressed on and claimed the gold medal for Team USA.
One day after the accident, Vonn provided more details about her condition, confirming she had sustained a complicated fracture of her tibia. Although the break is stable, correcting it will involve several surgical procedures.
Lindsey Vonn Documents Her Road To Recovery
Since then, Vonn has shared many updates regarding her recovery and multiple surgeries she’s undergone. On February 11th, the 41-year-old shared a series of photos from her hospital bed.
“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful,” she wrote at the time. “Success today has a completely different meaning than it did a few days ago. I’m making progress and while it is slow, I know I’ll be ok.”
Vonn also expressed gratitude to her medical team, family, and fans for their unwavering support during her recovery.
“Also, huge congrats to my teammates and all of the Team USA athletes who are out there inspiring me and giving me something to cheer for.”
The skier said at the time that she doesn’t regret anything she’s done as far as competing in the Olympics goes. Vonn did say, however, that her injury was “by far the most extreme, and painful, and challenging” one she has ever faced. The pain was “out of control,” according to the Olympian.
RELATED: Lindsey Vonn Finally Leaves The Hospital 2 Weeks After Horrific Olympic Crash
Vonn Sends A Message To Those Hating On Her Decision To Compete In The Olympics
While Vonn originally retired from competitive ski racing in February 2019, in 2024, she announced she was coming out of retirement. The 41-year-old rejoined the U.S. Ski Team after undergoing knee surgery and finding she could ski without pain again.
Many people, including her own father, have said they believe it is time for Vonn to retire.
“She’s 41 years old, and this is the end of her career,” he said in an interview with the Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
However, her determination to go for gold has never wavered, and she says every step of the journey has been completely worth it. In an Instagram post Monday (February 23), Vonn had a word for those who have told her she is “selfish” for taking a spot at the Olympics this year.
“I showed up and did what most thought was impossible at my age with a partial knee replacement. These memories I’ll have forever and I’m grateful for every one of them. Every moment was amazing. Every moment was worth it,” Vonn said.
Vonn shared a video recap of her successful wins that led her to the Olympics, reminding her followers that she had to earn that spot.
“One thing that stung was when people said I was selfish and should give my Olympic spot to someone else,” Vonn recalled. “So… I just wanted to recap my season for all the haters out there that don’t understand what it means to earn your spot, and on a more positive note, to just reflect…”
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