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 highly decorated American alpine ski racer, renowned for her exceptional achievements in the sport. She secured four World Cup overall championships in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. A defining moment in her career was winning the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, marking a historic first for an American woman. Vonn dominated the World Cup circuit, achieving a record eight season titles in downhill, five in super-G, and three consecutive titles in the combined (2010–2012). In 2016, she surpassed Ingemar Stenmark to claim her 20th World Cup crystal globe title, setting an overall record for both men and women. She holds the third highest super ranking among all skiers.

Sections (5)

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

February 13, 2006: Downhill Training Run Crash

On February 13, 2006, Kildow crashed during the second training run for the downhill race in San Sicario, Italy, at her second Winter Olympics. She was evacuated by helicopter to Turin, hospitalized overnight and earned the U.S. Olympic Spirit Award.

December 2009: Bruised Arm Injury

In December 2009, Vonn sustained a bruised arm after a crash during the opening run of the World Cup giant slalom.

November 20, 2013: Vonn Re-injures Knee

On November 20, 2013, Lindsey Vonn re-injured her right knee while training, straining it and partially tearing her right ACL after a crash.

December 21, 2013: Vonn Re-Injures Knee in France

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

2013: Injury at World Championships

During the 2013 World Championships in Schladming, Austria, Lindsey Vonn crashed in the super-G event. She was airlifted to a hospital and diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a torn medial collateral ligament in her right knee, and a tibial plateau fracture.

2013: Marginal Results and Lake Louise Wins

In 2013, Lindsey Vonn had a slow start to the season, affected by illness and had marginal results in giant slalom and skipped some slalom races. She recovered quickly in speed events, winning all three races in Lake Louise, Alberta between November 30 and December 2, for her third career 'hat trick,' increasing her record for most career wins at a single resort to 14. With three wins, she moved past Vreni Schneider into second place all-time among women with 56 career wins, behind Annemarie Moser-Pröll with 62.

2013: Injury-Plagued Season

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

January 7, 2014: Vonn withdraws from 2014 Winter Olympics

On January 7, 2014, Lindsey Vonn announced that she would not compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics due to a re-injury of her right knee on December 21, 2013. She stated that her knee was too unstable to compete at that level and that she would undergo surgery in preparation for the World Championships in Vail the following February.

2014: Preparation for 2014 Winter Olympics

In December 2013, Lindsey Vonn discussed her preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics, stating she would "play it safe and race minimal races" to regain confidence and timing while racing.

November 11, 2016: Fractured Arm

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 it.

January 30, 2026: Crash in World Cup Downhill

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: Intention to Compete Despite Injury

On February 3, 2026, Lindsey Vonn confirmed 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.