CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn’s father stated on Monday that if his daughter had any say in the matter, she would not continue racing. Following a leg fracture sustained during a downhill event over the weekend, Vonn will not be returning to the Winter Olympics.
“She’s 41 years old, and this marks the conclusion of her skiing career,” Alan Kildow said during a phone interview with The Associated Press. “As long as I have any influence, Lindsey will not compete in any more ski races.”
Kildow, along with Vonn’s older brother and two sisters, has stayed by her side at a hospital in Treviso, where she was airlifted after crashing on the course in Cortina on Sunday.
The hospital confirmed late Sunday that Vonn underwent surgery on her left leg, and the U.S. Ski Team reported that her condition was stable. No further updates have been provided since then.
While Kildow refrained from sharing specific details about her injuries, he spoke about her mindset.
“She’s an incredibly strong individual,” he said. “She is familiar with physical pain, fully understands her situation, and is managing it well. Honestly, better than I expected. She’s very, very resilient.”
Kildow, a former ski racer who taught Vonn how to race, stayed overnight in her hospital room.
“She’s never alone; there’s always someone with her,” he said. “While she’s here, there will be people here.”
The family witnessed the crash from the finish area along with other spectators.
“Initially, it was pure shock and horror watching such a crash,” Kildow shared. “It was both dramatic and traumatic. The thought of the impact’s consequences is terrifying.”
“You can experience emotional and psychological shock,” he added. “Accepting what happened is difficult. But she’s receiving excellent care… The USOC and U.S. Ski Team have top-tier medical professionals with her, and the treatment here in Italy is outstanding.”
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-Winter-olympics
Fan Take: While Lindsey Vonn is primarily known for her skiing achievements, her strength and resilience resonate beyond winter sports, inspiring basketball fans who appreciate dedication and overcoming adversity. Her story highlights the universal value of perseverance, reminding athletes across all disciplines about the importance of mental toughness and support systems in facing career-defining challenges.
