“BACK ON HOME SOIL”: Lindsey Vonn Returns to the U.S. Supported by Her Family Following Olympic Heartbreak

Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American alpine skier, has returned to the U.S. after a harrowing nine days in an Italian hospital. The Olympic icon suffered a complex tibia fracture just 13 seconds into the 2026 Olympic downhill, resulting in a crash that required four surgeries to stabilize her injuries.

Throughout her ordeal, Vonn has been supported by her family, particularly her father, Alan Kildow, who stayed by her side in the hospital room in Treviso, ensuring she wasn’t alone as she faced the emotional shock of the injury. Vonn’s younger sister, Karin Kildow, described the week as a “rough one” for the family, noting that while Lindsey is “super strong,” the recovery is far from over.

In a powerful moment, Vonn shared an emotional video of her journey back to the U.S., detailing the difficult logistics involved in transferring her from the ICU to an ambulance, then a medical plane, and finally back to American soil. She expressed her gratitude to the Italian medical team for their care and stated, “Being back on home soil feels amazing.”

The 41-year-old skier has not been able to stand since her crash on February 8, but her determination shines through. She’s now preparing for more surgeries in the U.S., including the eventual removal of the external fixator—a large metal device currently holding her leg together.

While her father believes this injury marks the end of her storied career, Vonn remains hopeful and strong. In a message to her 3.4 million followers, she stated, “The ride was worth the fall.”

Vonn’s resilience is nothing short of inspiring, and fans around the world are hoping for a smooth recovery as she takes the next steps in her journey.