Lindsey Vonn undergoes surgery for femur fracture after fall at Milan Cortina Olympics

Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American alpine skier, underwent a double surgical operation to reduce a left femur fracture with external fixation at Ca' Foncello Hospital in Treviso on Monday.

The injury occurred Sunday during the women's downhill race on the Olympia delle Tofane course at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Vonn was initially taken to Codivilla Hospital in Cortina d'Ampezzo for initial evaluation before being transferred to Treviso, where the U.S. medical staff chose to proceed with surgery.

According to medical officials, the U.S. team selected the Treviso facility based on its specialized orthopedic capabilities and the confidence it provided for treating the injury. The transfer and subsequent surgical intervention were coordinated with the regional Medical Service established for the Olympics.

Vonn's fall came during what was intended to be a significant moment in her career. The American had returned to competitive skiing approximately six months earlier after more than five years away from the sport. At age 40, she had won the downhill at Saint-Moritz, marking a notable return to racing at an age uncommon for elite alpine skiers.

The athlete had competed despite sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament at Crans Montana the previous week. She had stated before the Milan Cortina competition that her knee was stable and that a brace would provide support, expressing confidence in her ability to manage the injury.

Vonn had decided roughly 18 months prior to pursue one final Olympic appearance after her initial retirement from professional skiing. Her return involved competing in World Cup races following extensive rehabilitation from her previous knee injury.