American skier Lindsey Vonn says there is still a small chance that she will return to racing. The 41-year-old Olympic gold medallist is listed on the US alpine skiing team for 2026–27, but her participation depends on her recovery. She is the oldest member of the team.
Vonn crashed during the women's downhill race at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in February 2026. She broke her leg and was taken away by helicopter. She also tore a ligament, a band of tissue in her knee, earlier this year. After the crash, she needed eight operations and spent nearly two months in a wheelchair. She described the injury as the hardest of her life, with severe pain and a much slower recovery than usual.
Although Vonn has not decided to compete again, her love of skiing remains strong. She said previous injuries had encouraged her to work harder and return stronger. Her career includes four World Cup titles, and she was the first American woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing.
