NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
One of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics came early when skier Lindsey Vonn delivered a gutsy performance for the ages by competing at 41 just a week after injuring her knee in a crash.
Unfortunately, as admirable as her endurance was, she badly injured herself in another crash just 13 seconds into her race in the women’s crash final.
Five months later, Vonn is still dealing with her injuries.
MARCELLO HERNÁNDEZ ROASTS JAKE PAUL, TIGER WOODS AND BILL BELICHICK IN ESPY’S MONOLOGUE
Lindsey Vonn speaks on stage at the 2026 ESPYs. ((Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images))
“It’s been a very slow process,” Vonn told People while attending the ESPYs on Wednesday in New York City. “It’s been five months since I’ve actually been able to go to the gym in any meaningful way. And walking is actually still really hard for me. My ankle is still broken.”
Regardless of the outcome, her decision to try to run is one of the most courageous moments of the Games.
Lindsey Vonn suffered a serious crash during the Women’s Downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. (Screenshot by IOC via Getty Images))
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Remember when I mentioned that injury before the Olympics? It wasn’t just a minor bump in the road; it was a completely torn ACL.
There was no doubting her courage, but the aftermath has been difficult.
Lindsey Vonn walks through the pit lane ahead of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto)
“I was in a wheelchair for so long, I was on crutches for so long,” Vonn said. “It was honestly almost three and a half months that I wasn’t able to walk without help. I got very emotional when I was able to walk on my own.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
This week, Vonn posted an update on her recovery, saying she has “a very long road ahead.”
