sport

Lindsey Vonn, operated on for a ninth time, does not close the door to competition

This ninth operation brings to a close, for the time being, months of suffering.

france, lindsey vonn, milan, cortina, jeux, neuvième, compétition, veux

Key facts

  • American skier Lindsey Vonn underwent a ninth surgical procedure on her left leg on Monday, November 9. At 42, the alpine skiing legend is not…
  • This ninth operation brings, for now, months of suffering to a close. The particularly serious trauma forced her to make repeated trips to the operating room.
  • The American crashed heavily on February 8, only 13 seconds after the start of the Olympic downhill in Cortina.

American skier Lindsey Vonn underwent a ninth surgical procedure on her left leg on Monday, November 9. At 42, the alpine skiing legend is not announcing the end of her career.

This ninth operation brings, for now, months of suffering to a close. The particularly serious trauma forced her to make repeated trips to the operating room.

The American crashed heavily on February 8, only 13 seconds after the start of the Olympic downhill in Cortina.

Already weakened by an anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained a few days earlier, she suffered an open fracture and a tibial plateau fracture of the left leg.

There is no question, however, of saying goodbye to skiing for now. The idea of a return to competition remains very much alive.

She is, moreover, officially named to the American squad for the 2026-2027 World Cup season.

Dig deeper

Who is Lindsey Vonn?

An American alpine skier, she is one of the most decorated in history, with an Olympic record and a record number of World Cup victories among women; at 42, she has not yet ended her career.

What is Cortina?

Cortina d'Ampezzo, a resort in the Dolomites in Italy, hosted the Olympic downhill where she fell heavily on February 8.

What is the World Cup?

It is the seasonal circuit of alpine ski races: Vonn is officially listed on the American roster for 2026-2027.

What is a tibial plateau fracture?

It is a break of the upper end of the tibia, at the knee, here associated with an open fracture and a recent tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

What happens next?

The ninth operation closes treatment for now, but a return to competition is still being considered, with no schedule announced.

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