What Happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn is an American alpine ski racer, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, who achieved immense success with four World Cup overall championships and an Olympic gold medal. After retiring in 2019 due to persistent injuries, she made a remarkable comeback in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement, returning to World Cup racing and qualifying for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where she unfortunately suffered another significant injury but is now in recovery. Beyond skiing, Vonn is involved in business ventures and her philanthropic foundation.
Quick Answer
Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American alpine skier, initially retired in 2019 due to a career-long battle with injuries. However, following a successful partial knee replacement in April 2024, she announced a surprising comeback in November 2024, rejoining the U.S. Ski Team. Vonn returned to World Cup competition in December 2024, achieved multiple podiums, and qualified for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Her Olympic return in February 2026 was cut short by a crash that resulted in a fractured tibia, and as of April 2026, she is actively undergoing rehabilitation and sharing her recovery progress.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline17 events
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota
Lindsey Caroline Kildow, later known as Lindsey Vonn, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Wins Trofeo Topolino
At age 14, Vonn made history by becoming the first American woman to win the slalom at the prestigious Trofeo Topolino in Italy.
World Cup Debut
Vonn made her World Cup debut at the age of 16.
First World Cup Overall Championship
Vonn secured her first of four World Cup overall titles, becoming the second American woman to do so.
Olympic Gold in Downhill
Vonn won her first Olympic gold medal in the downhill event at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, a historic first for an American woman. She also won a bronze in Super-G.
Divorce Finalized and Major Injury
Her divorce from Thomas Vonn was finalized. Shortly after, she suffered a severe crash at the World Championships, tearing her ACL and MCL.
Breaks Women's World Cup Wins Record
Vonn won her 63rd World Cup race in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, surpassing Annemarie Moser-Pröll's record for most World Cup wins by a woman.
Initial Retirement from Ski Racing
Citing persistent injuries, Vonn announced her retirement after the 2019 World Championships, where she won a bronze medal in downhill.
Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement surgery, which significantly alleviated her chronic pain and paved the way for a potential comeback.
Announces Comeback and Rejoins U.S. Ski Team
Vonn officially announced her return to competitive skiing for the 2024-25 season, rejoining the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.
Joins Athena Capital Advisory Board
Vonn joined the advisory board of Athena Capital, an all-female venture capital and private equity firm, expanding her business portfolio.
Launches 'VONN' Clothing Line with HEAD
Vonn announced the launch of her signature 'VONN' clothing line in collaboration with sportswear brand HEAD.
Wins 83rd World Cup Race (Oldest Winner)
Vonn won her 83rd World Cup race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, becoming the oldest female winner of a World Cup race at 41 years old.
Wins 84th World Cup Race and TIME Cover
Vonn secured her 84th World Cup victory in Zauchensee, Austria, and was featured as a cover star for TIME magazine.
Crashes, Ruptures ACL Ahead of Olympics
Vonn crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, rupturing her ACL in her left knee, just before the Olympics.
Crashes at Milan Cortina Olympics, Fractures Tibia
Despite her recent ACL injury, Vonn competed in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics but crashed in the downhill event, fracturing her left tibia and requiring multiple surgeries.
Begins Recovery, Shares Progress
Weeks after her Olympic crash, Vonn began her rehabilitation, sharing updates on social media, including taking her first steps with crutches and engaging in light exercises like biking and pull-ups.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Lindsey Vonn, born Lindsey Caroline Kildow on October 18, 1984, in St. Paul, Minnesota, established herself as one of alpine skiing's most dominant figures. Her career was marked by an aggressive style and an unparalleled drive, leading to four World Cup overall championships (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) and a historic Olympic gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, making her the first American woman to achieve this feat. She amassed a record 82 World Cup victories, the most by any female skier at the time, and 20 World Cup crystal globes across various disciplines.
Vonn's career was also a testament to her resilience in the face of numerous injuries, including multiple knee surgeries. These persistent physical setbacks ultimately led to her initial retirement in February 2019, as her body was deemed 'broken beyond repair.' During her retirement, Vonn remained active, focusing on her Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which empowers young girls, establishing a production company, and engaging in various business ventures and investments, including in women's sports teams like Angel City FC and the Utah Royals.
A pivotal turning point occurred in April 2024 when Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement surgery, which, for the first time in years, left her pain-free. This unexpected relief ignited a desire for a comeback, and in November 2024, at the age of 40, she announced her return to competitive skiing, rejoining the U.S. Ski Team. Her return to the World Cup circuit in December 2024 was met with anticipation, and she quickly proved her enduring talent, securing a second-place finish in a Super-G event by the end of the 2024-25 season.
The 2025-26 season saw Vonn continue her impressive comeback. In December 2025, she won her 83rd World Cup race in St. Moritz, becoming the oldest female winner of a World Cup race. She followed this with her 84th World Cup victory in Zauchensee in January 2026 and was featured on the cover of TIME magazine, celebrating her multifaceted achievements. Her strong performances led to her qualification for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, marking her fifth Olympic appearance.
However, her Olympic dream was tragically cut short. In late January 2026, Vonn crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, rupturing her ACL in her left knee. Despite this fresh injury, she bravely chose to compete in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics in February 2026. During her first medal event, the downhill, she crashed 13 seconds into her run, sustaining a complex fracture in her left tibia, which required multiple surgeries in Italy. As of April 7, 2026, Vonn has returned to the U.S. and is in the early stages of a challenging recovery, sharing updates on her physical therapy, including taking her first steps with crutches, biking, and performing pull-ups, demonstrating her characteristic determination to overcome this latest setback.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Lindsey Vonn made different choices?