Lindsey Vonn Warned She Could Have Leg Amputated After Suffering Horror Injury

Team USA great Lindsey Vonn has received a huge warning from a specialist after her accident at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Last week, Vonn, 41, arrived in Cortina to take part in the women's downhill event at the Winter Olympic Games, less than two weeks after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee.

Although she came through her first run, things unravelled during Sunday's final.

Vonn was involved in a serious accident as her right ski pole clipped an outside gate shortly before the first timing point.

As a result, Vonn hit the ground hard before tumbling down the course.

Afterwards, she was airlifted to the hospital, and it was confirmed that Vonn was in a 'stable condition' and undergoing treatment.

It was then reported by Sky that Vonn had undergone surgery after suffering a broken leg.

This week, Vonn delivered an update on her condition after surgery.

She wrote: "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."

On Friday, Vonn posted a video message as she updated her condition again. The caption read: "A little update from me…thank you for all the love and support. Helps me so much."

A little update from me…❤️ thank you for all the love and support. Helps me so much🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ui0lfSS064

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 13, 2026

Now, Orthopaedic expert knee specialist Dr Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet has spoken about the extent of Vonn's injuries.

Dr Sonnery-Cottet warned that some accidents like Vonn's could end up in amputation.

He told RMC Sport: "The timeline is quite unpredictable. It will be months before she can walk normally again.

"Her goal now is first and foremost to keep her leg and be able to walk. 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."

Dr Sonnery-Cottet continued: "The latest images posted on her Instagram account show that, even though the surgeries were successful, the 'external fixator' - that is, the enormous pin they put in her left leg - proves that they haven't been able to fully repair her fracture.

"It's only temporary for now. It's important to understand that her injury is extremely serious and will cause her problems for at least months, and could even leave her with lifelong consequences."