Lindsey Vonn Details Grueling Recovery from Olympics Crash at 2026 ESPYS

Lindsey Vonn provided an intimate look at her recovery journey when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2026 ESPYS on Wednesday evening at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.

The 41-year-old skier suffered a catastrophic crash while competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy in February. The incident resulted in a complex tibia fracture that required eight surgical procedures, with her leg coming dangerously close to amputation.

Speaking with People at the July 15 event, Vonn reflected on the months of rehabilitation that have followed. "It's been a very slow process," she explained. "It's been five months since I've been able to actually go to the gym in a somewhat meaningful way. And walking is actually still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken."

The athlete emphasized the emotional weight of her journey back to mobility. "I was in a wheelchair for so long, I was on crutches for so long," Vonn shared. "It was honestly almost three and a half months that I was unable to walk unassisted. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own."

Despite the ongoing challenges, Vonn expressed gratitude for having regained the ability to stand independently, marking a significant milestone in her recovery process.