Lindsey Vonn underwent her latest surgery since sustaining a horrific injury during the women’s downhill skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. On Friday, she updated her status following the procedure.
Earlier on Friday, Vonn posted to her X account that her surgery “went well,” though the pain she was dealing with had been “hard to manage.” Later on in the morning, the 41-year-old athlete posted a graphic image that displays why she might be in such discomfort.
Vonn posted snapshots of X-rays, which show hardware installed throughout her lower-leg area to help repair and stabilize the tibia fracture she sustained in the frightening spill at the Olympics.
“I’m bionic for real now,” she wrote in her post, which included an emoji of a robotic arm flexing.
More news: Lindsey Vonn Updates ‘Pain’ After Latest Surgery
Next step
The hope for Vonn is that she will “be out of the hospital soon,” per her earlier message on X. “Thank you for all the support!”
Days ago, well-known injury expert, Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc on X), posted his assessment of Vonn’s injury.
“This wasn’t just a fracture; it was a complex open injury with significant knee damage,” he wrote. “Multiple surgeries are likely ahead, including washouts and eventual hardware removal.”
Another expert, knee specialist Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, previously told France’s RMC Sport that he had concerns for possible amputation of Vonn’s leg.
More news: Doctor Has Amputation Concern for Lindsey Vonn After Horrific Olympic Crash
“Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk,” Sonnery-Cottet told RMC Sport. “I think we’re not yet at the stage of returning to high-level skiing. We’re not there yet, but some injuries like hers can end in amputation.”
The crash occurred just seconds into Vonn’s downhill race, leading to her being airlifted from the course. The five-time Olympian’s future in the sport is now in question due to the significance of her ailment. She had previously suffered an ACL tear leading into the 2026 Winter Games, but decided to push through the ailment to compete in Italy.
Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist, including one gold, which she won in the downhill event at the 2010 Vancouver Games. She is the only U.S. woman to claim an Olympic downhill gold.
