In the past 72 hours, Lindsey Vonn has been through an ordeal. After her crash, she was airlifted to Cortina, transferred to Treviso, where a series of surgeries began. Ever since, Vonn has been through two procedures in a short span. Now, as Vonn shares a fresh update, fans have poured in with prayers and messages of support.

Vonn recently shared a health update from the hospital bed, revealing that she’d been through a third surgery.

“I had my 3rd surgery today and it was successful. 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,” she stated.

Vonn’s injury update showed she had an external fixator on her left leg. These are used to stabilize fractured joints and bones from outside the body. Naturally, Vonn’s update led to her fans flooding in with messages of support.

A fan wrote, “A true fighter! Sending love your way 💛,” while another added, “Oft that looks brutal😢 good luck ❤️.”

This marks Lindsey Vonn’s third surgery in the  72 hours while she suffers a ‘complex tibia fracture ‘ in her leg. The first one was to stabilize her leg, the second to reportedly prevent swelling and maintain blood flow, and now a third followed. Despite this, she remained hopeful and positive.

Vonn went on to thank, “all of the incredible medical staff, friends, family, who have been by my side and the beautiful outpouring of love and support from people around the world. 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. ❤️🤍💙”

Even in her first post since the crash, Vonn had sounded optimistic, “Yesterday my Olympic dream did not finish the way I dreamt it would. It wasn’t a story book ending or a fairy tail, it was just life. I dared to dream and had worked so hard to achieve it.”

Her comeback itself had been daring. After retiring in 2019 due to multiple injuries, she surprised fans in April 2024 by returning to competition following a partial knee replacement on her right knee…a procedure that restored mobility and reduced pain after years of chronic issues.

Now after three surgeries, Lindsey is on the road to recovery. Typically an injury of this intensity takes between 8 to 11 months to heal. Nevertheless, seeing her courage even in the face of such big setbacks has inspired fans worldwide who continue to send their prayers.

Fans cheer Lindsey Vonn on through her setback

“🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️ Champ forever!” wrote a fan, praising Vonn’s legacy as she exits the sport on such an uncertain note. Her father had recently shared shared his wish to see her take retire after this crash. Also, there’s been no definite word from Vonn either. Amid this, fans seem to be reminding her of her status has a champion, no matter what comes next.

Even fellow athletes supported Lindsey Vonn with their messages. Two-time Olympic medalist Chloe Kim commented, “❤️You Lindsey! You’re an inspiration,” while snowboarding legend Shaun White added, “Champion ❤️.”

Injuries have always been a part of Lindsey Vonn’s story. In 2007, she was forced out of the course due to an ACL sprain that disrupted her season. Three years later, she was once again forced to compete at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with a bruised shin that made it difficult to fit boots. Meanwhile, ACL problems have been her Achilles heel, suffering from them in 2013 and 2014, and now again in 2026.

But through it all, Lindsey’s courage never wavered. Now, she has her grit and her fans wishes with her as she navigates this difficult chapter of her life. “Gnarly! Wishing you quick and smooth healing. Your grit and passion is epic, empowering and emotional. Was awesome to see you come back” wished another fan.

Vonn has had an impressive career, but it is even more impressive when you wonder what could have happened. Had she taken gold in the downhill, she would have become the oldest alpine skiing Olympic gold medalist in history.

That victory didn’t materialize in reality, however, fans now continue to wait and pray for an update on her skiing career.