Challenges in the Life of Lindsey Vonn in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Lindsey Vonn's life and career.

Lindsey Vonn is a decorated American alpine ski racer renowned for her exceptional achievements. She claimed four World Cup overall championships (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) and an Olympic gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, a first for an American woman. Vonn dominated the World Cup circuit, securing a record eight season titles in downhill, five in super-G, and three consecutive titles in the combined (2010-2012). In 2016, she broke the record for most World Cup crystal globes won, male or female, with 20, surpassing Ingemar Stenmark. She holds the third-highest super ranking of any skier.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

February 13, 2006: Training Run Crash

On February 13, 2006, Lindsey Kildow crashed in the second training run for the downhill race at the Winter Olympics in San Sicario, Italy, and was hospitalized overnight.

December 2009: Bruised Arm Injury

In December 2009, Lindsey Vonn sustained a bruised arm after a crash during the opening run of the World Cup giant slalom, impacting her preparations for the Olympic Games.

2011: 2011 World Championships

At the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, Lindsey Vonn suffered from a concussion and achieved a seventh place in super-G and a silver medal in downhill.

November 20, 2013: Vonn re-injures her right knee during training

On November 20, 2013, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee during training, straining it and partially tearing her right ACL after a crash. She later returned to competition on December 6.

December 21, 2013: Vonn re-injures her right knee while skiing in France

On December 21, 2013, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee while skiing in France.

2013: Vonn's crash at the World Championships in Schladming

During the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, Austria, Lindsey Vonn crashed in the super-G event and had to be airlifted to a hospital. As a result, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in her right knee, and also suffered a tibial plateau fracture. Despite the injury, she expressed her determination to be ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

2013: Slow start to 2013 season

In 2013, Lindsey Vonn began the season slowly, experiencing illness and achieving marginal results in the giant slalom. She also skipped a couple of slalom races in November 2012.

2013: Season Missed Due to Injuries

In 2013, Lindsey Vonn missed most of the ski season due to injuries.

January 7, 2014: Vonn announces she will not compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics

On January 7, 2014, Lindsey Vonn announced that she would not be able to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi because she had re-injured her right knee on December 21, 2013, while skiing in France. She planned to have surgery to be ready for the World Championships in Vail the following February.

November 11, 2016: Vonn fractures her right arm in a training crash

On November 11, 2016, Lindsey Vonn announced on her Facebook page that she had severely fractured the humerus bone of her right arm in a training crash and had undergone surgery to repair the bone.

January 30, 2026: Vonn suffers a crash in Crans-Montana

On January 30, 2026, Lindsey Vonn suffered a crash in the World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, the final downhill before the Olympics, and was airlifted off the course.

February 3, 2026: Vonn confirms ACL rupture and intention to compete at the Olympics

On February 3, 2026, Lindsey Vonn confirmed that she had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) but announced her intention to compete at the Olympics despite the injury sustained just a week before.