Lindsey Vonn is making steady progress after the horrific crash that left her with multiple serious injuries at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the skiing legend says she still has a long way to go before she is fully recovered.
The 41 year old suffered a broken ankle and a complex leg fracture during the downhill event before being airlifted to a hospital. Since the accident, she has undergone six surgeries.
Although Vonn spent months in a wheelchair and later relied on crutches, she has gradually returned to walking and recently appeared on the red carpet at both the ESPYS and the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York.
Speaking about her recovery, Vonn said she has made significant progress since attending the Met Gala in May.
“Even since the Met, I feel amazing,” she said.
“I’m working out in the gym finally, which has been a huge step forward for me, but it’s been a very slow process.”
Despite returning to exercise, Vonn admitted that everyday activities are still challenging.
“It’s been five months since I’ve been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way, and walking is still actually really hard for me,” she explained.
“My ankle is still broken, but one thing at a time. My leg is healing, and that’s important.”
The Olympic champion also reflected on how emotional it was to regain her independence after months without being able to walk on her own.
“I was in a wheelchair for so long. I was on crutches for so long,” Vonn said.
“It was honestly almost three and a half months that I was unable to walk unassisted. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own.”
Earlier this week, Vonn shared an Instagram video documenting her recovery over the past five months. The clip showed her gradual progress, from learning to stand again to performing medicine ball squats in the gym.
“I knew one day I’d get here, just didn’t know how long it would take me,” she wrote alongside the video.
“It took five months, but I’m finally here! Still a very long road ahead but my strength is coming back. Maybe more mentally than physically still, but that’s not a bad thing.”
Despite her age and the severity of her injuries, Vonn has made it clear she is not ready to retire.
The Olympic gold medalist has repeatedly said she hopes to leave competitive skiing on her own terms, and her latest update suggests she remains determined to fight her way back, one step at a time.
