Lindsey Vonn Responds to Well-Wisher on Social Media After Devastating Crash at Winter Olympics
In her first social media post since the crash, Lindsey Vonn thanked British sports commentator Dan Walker for his kind words and wishes after she broke a leg in a serious fall during her downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
On Monday, Vonn responded to Walker's long statement, which expressed admiration for her resilience and wished her well. The message from Vonn was brief but heartfelt: "Thank you Dan."
The crash occurred on Sunday during Vonn's women's downhill race in Cortina, where she suffered a fractured leg after losing control of her skis and hitting the ground with her head. Medical personnel quickly responded to the scene, airlifting Vonn to a hospital for treatment.
Italian hospital officials had previously released a statement describing the severity of the injury, stating that Vonn had been treated by staff from the Regional Olympic Medical Service and underwent orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture in her left leg.
The 41-year-old American skier had come out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Games despite rupturing her left ACL in a crash during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps just a week earlier. Vonn's decision to participate was widely reported, with many experts praising her bravery and determination.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard chief of sport Anouk Patty had also expressed support for Vonn, saying that she would "be OK, but it's going to be a bit of a process." The sport is inherently high-risk, Patty noted, adding that athletes need to be aware of the dangers they face when competing at such high speeds.
Vonn's crash has sent shockwaves through the skiing community, with many fans and fellow competitors expressing their concern for her well-being.
In her first social media post since the crash, Lindsey Vonn thanked British sports commentator Dan Walker for his kind words and wishes after she broke a leg in a serious fall during her downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
On Monday, Vonn responded to Walker's long statement, which expressed admiration for her resilience and wished her well. The message from Vonn was brief but heartfelt: "Thank you Dan."
The crash occurred on Sunday during Vonn's women's downhill race in Cortina, where she suffered a fractured leg after losing control of her skis and hitting the ground with her head. Medical personnel quickly responded to the scene, airlifting Vonn to a hospital for treatment.
Italian hospital officials had previously released a statement describing the severity of the injury, stating that Vonn had been treated by staff from the Regional Olympic Medical Service and underwent orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture in her left leg.
The 41-year-old American skier had come out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Games despite rupturing her left ACL in a crash during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps just a week earlier. Vonn's decision to participate was widely reported, with many experts praising her bravery and determination.
U.S. Ski and Snowboard chief of sport Anouk Patty had also expressed support for Vonn, saying that she would "be OK, but it's going to be a bit of a process." The sport is inherently high-risk, Patty noted, adding that athletes need to be aware of the dangers they face when competing at such high speeds.
Vonn's crash has sent shockwaves through the skiing community, with many fans and fellow competitors expressing their concern for her well-being.
I'm so worried about Lindsey Vonn! Breaking a leg is never easy, but she was already coming out of retirement after that serious ACL injury 
. That's super gutsy of her to keep pushing through like that. And now this? 
Her response to Dan Walker was really sweet and shows she's taking things in stride 
. I hope she gets the best care possible and recovers quickly 
. It's not just about the physical healing, though - it's also about getting her head back in the game, you know? Skiing at that level is mentally demanding too 
. Wishing Lindsey all the best on her road to recovery! 
that's some crazy stuff. I'm glad she's okay, but I can imagine how scary that must've been for her. Dan Walker's words mean so much to her, it's great to see the community rallying around her. And you're right, this sport is no joke - those speeds are insane! 
Anouk Patty was spot on about the risks, but Vonn's determination and bravery are truly inspiring. We should all be rooting for her as she recovers! 
like she just comes out of retirement after a major injury & then gets hurt again 
but shes still so strong & inspiring, i love it!!! 
. The stats on her injury are crazy tho - fractured leg, ortho surgery, whole nine yards 
. U.S. Ski and Snowboard chief Anouk Patty was right though - ski racing is high-risk, even with all the safety precautions 
. Did you see Vonn's crash? It was pretty intense 
. Here are some skier injuries stats for context: 1 in 5 skiers get injured per year 
, and the most common injury is a knee sprain 
... just sayin' 
.
. 41 and still ripping it up on the slopes? 
, says a lot about her character 
.
towards her 
... It’s crazy how Lindsey Vonn is still giving it 110% even though she knows the risks are huge. The crash really shook me 
it sounds like a really tough crash but shes a total rockstar for coming out of retirement and giving it a shot 
. Can't wait to hear more about her recovery journey 
I'm just glad she's alive and got some amazing support from Dan Walker and the rest of the skiing community 
Maybe we'll see some more updates from her on social media? 
41 is old for a skier to be competing in the Olympics, let alone coming out of retirement 
. And now she's getting messages of support from all the sports folks 
. Fingers crossed she heals fast and can get back on those skis soon! 