Lindsey Vonn said she is targeting a major recovery milestone at this year’s Met Gala.
The 2010 Olympic gold medal winner in downhill revealed that she plans to take her first steps without crutches during the event following a severe leg injury suffered in a crash at this year’s Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old alpine skier — who has undergone multiple surgeries for the injury — has been using crutches in recent public appearances but said her goal is to walk short distances unassisted at the Met Gala on Monday night.
In an interview with CNN News Central, Vonn spoke about her plans in New York.
“There are a few stairs. Yes, it’s going to be intense,” she acknowledged. “I was like, can I do this? Can I do this? You know, Thom Browne asked me a long time ago. And I love Thom. We did a campaign together during COVID. And it’s been like the thing that I’m like, can I get there? Like, you know, it’s like been the light at the end of the tunnel. And I’m going to try to walk.”
Vonn added, “It’s, like, technically 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.”
Vonn’s progress comes less than three months after a devastating crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics ended her competition.
The accident occurred during the women’s downhill event in Italy, where she lost control just seconds into her run and suffered a complex fracture in her left leg.
The injury was severe, causing Vonn to sustain multiple fractures, including damage to her tibia and surrounding structures, and she also dealt with compartment syndrome, which is a dangerous condition involving pressure buildup in the muscles that can restrict blood flow.
At one point, doctors feared she could lose her leg before emergency procedures stabilized the injury.
She has since undergone eight surgeries as part of her length recovery process.
For now, Vonn says she’s still in “survival mode” and not ready to reflect on the crash itself.
“You know, I think you have to be reflective. And I haven’t really been able to be that reflective yet, because I’m still in survival mode, you know,” she told CNN. “I’m still really fighting my way through it. And I’ve tried to start my — my therapy with my therapist. And I just can’t really get there yet. And there will be a lesson. And, you know, 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 in my life. Maybe some door will open that would never otherwise be open to me. So as horrible as this is and as hard as it is, like, who knows where the future will take me in? I’m just kind of along for the ride.”
No timeline has been confirmed for a full recovery or a potential return to skiing.
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