Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has set her sights on a significant recovery milestone at this year's Met Gala, just months after a horrific crash that left her with multiple fractures and threatened amputation. The 41-year-old gold medalist plans to take her first steps without crutches during the glamorous event on Monday night, less than three months after her devastating accident during the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
A Grueling Goal
Vonn, who has undergone eight surgeries since the February 8 crash, described the Met Gala's famous staircase as the "light at the end of the tunnel" for her rehabilitation. Speaking to CNN News Central, she acknowledged the challenge: "There are a few stairs. Yes, it's going to be intense." She revealed that designer Thom Browne had invited her long ago, and the event became a driving force in her recovery. "It's been like the thing that I'm like: Can I get there? It's been the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to try to walk," Vonn explained. "It's supposed to be my first day of walking a little bit without crutches. So from the start to the top of the stairs, if I can make it with no crutches, that's a huge win."
Survival Mode
The alpine skier admitted she remains in "survival mode" as she continues her rehabilitation. "I'm still really fighting my way through it," she told CNN. Vonn has started therapy but cannot yet reflect fully on the accident. "There will be a lesson. I always try to look at the positives of everything. Maybe this is going to be the best thing that's ever happened to me," she said, adding that she is "just along for the ride" regarding her future.
Vonn suffered a complex left leg fracture during the race, which nearly led to amputation. She still needs at least one more surgery to repair a torn ACL in the same knee. Her father urged her to retire from skiing, but Vonn hinted she may race again. "My dad jumped the gun. He knows by now that if you tell me not to do something, I'm gonna do it," she said on CBS Mornings. "I want to ski regardless of if I'm racing. I love the mountains, that's always been my passion."
Vonn has returned from numerous injuries before, including a titanium implant in her right knee, but this recovery has been uniquely challenging. The eight surgeries she has undergone are just one fewer than the total she had for all her previous injuries combined.
