Lindsey Vonn, the legendary Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished alpine skiers in history, is opening up about her road to recovery following a devastating injury at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. At 41 years old, Vonn has faced one of the toughest periods of her life after shattering her left leg in a high-speed crash during the women’s downhill event. Now, as she looks ahead with renewed hope and determination, the former champion is sharing exclusive details about her summer plans, her commitment to a full recovery, and her ongoing work to educate others on health and wellness.

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE magazine, Vonn reflected on the challenging two months since her accident. “It’s definitely been a tough two months, but I feel like I’ve kind of hit some nice milestones recently, and am getting closer to being back to the real world and getting my life back,” she said. Her words carry the weight of someone who has endured immense physical and emotional pain but refuses to be defined by it. Vonn has already undergone five surgeries since the crash, and she is preparing for what she hopes will be her sixth and final procedure this fall. Despite the setbacks, her mindset remains firmly focused on success. “I’m the kind of person who plans for success, so I am planning on a full recovery,” she emphasized.

The injury occurred in early February 2026 during the Olympic downhill at the Milano Cortina Games. Vonn, who had come out of retirement to compete one more time and had even pushed through a torn ACL in her left knee just nine days prior, clipped a gate and suffered a complex fracture of her tibia, along with damage to her fibula and ankle. The crash was severe enough that doctors performed emergency procedures, including a fasciotomy, to address compartment syndrome and prevent the need for amputation. Reports from the time described the moment as terrifying—Vonn was airlifted off the mountain, her leg shattered, and she endured extreme pain while waiting for help. The ordeal left her in a wheelchair for a period and required intensive medical intervention in Italy before she could return home.

Yet, true to her resilient spirit, Vonn has been documenting her progress and staying active in her rehabilitation. She has shared updates about returning to the gym just weeks after the surgeries, taking things “one day at a time.” Now, with tangible improvements in her mobility, she is allowing herself to look forward to something she desperately needs: a well-deserved break. “I’m also planning on doing fun things this summer. I’m going on vacation. I’d better be going on vacation! The plane ticket is booked, anyway. I need a good summer, and to disconnect from everything that happened,” Vonn shared with a mix of determination and excitement. She added that in the next six weeks, she expects to live much more normally, regaining the ability to go places and do things without the constant constraints of her recovery routine.

For someone like Vonn, who has built a career on pushing limits and embracing adrenaline, a simple beach vacation with days spent lounging by the pool is not quite enough. She plans to stay true to her adventurous side even while healing. “I’m going to be doing some scuba diving,” she said with a laugh. “And my friend wants to teach me kite surfing. I’m an adventure junkie! It’s not like skiing is the only thing I do.” These activities reflect Vonn’s lifelong passion for thrill and exploration. Scuba diving will allow her to immerse herself in the underwater world, experiencing a different kind of freedom and serenity beneath the ocean’s surface. Kite surfing, on the other hand, promises the rush of wind and waves, combining elements of speed and balance that echo the excitement she feels on the slopes—albeit at a gentler pace suited to her current stage of recovery.

Throughout her career, Vonn has been known for her relentless drive, record-breaking performances, and ability to overcome injuries that would sideline most athletes. She has won multiple Olympic medals, including gold in the downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, and amassed an extraordinary 82 World Cup victories. Her return to competition at the 2026 Olympics, even after a previous retirement, showcased her enduring love for the sport and her refusal to let age or setbacks dictate her path. Now, as she navigates this latest chapter, that same determination fuels her recovery. She continues her physical therapy exercises diligently, adapting them to wherever she travels this summer, ensuring that every step brings her closer to her goal of returning to skiing.

When asked about getting back on the slopes at speeds approaching 85 miles per hour, Vonn didn’t hesitate. “Whether it’s on the race course or not, I’ll definitely be going back to it,” she said with a laugh, acknowledging her well-known “need for speed.” She even joked about possibly finding a fast car and a racetrack to satisfy that thrill-seeking side of her personality. However, there is one high-adrenaline activity she draws the line at—for now. “I’ve done bungee jumping, but I’m saving skydiving for an emergency-only type of thing,” Vonn revealed. This boundary highlights a thoughtful balance: while she embraces risk in controlled environments, she also prioritizes her long-term health and safety, especially after such a serious injury.

Beyond her personal recovery and adventure plans, Vonn is channeling her platform into something meaningful for public health. She has partnered with Invivyd on the “Antibodies for Any Body” educational campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the critical role antibodies play in the immune system. As a longtime athlete who has always prioritized her body’s performance and resilience, Vonn sees a natural connection. “Health has always been something that’s been incredibly important to me, not just through this injury,” she explained. “And obviously, as an athlete, you need to perform, and being sick is something that I have always tried to avoid. So being a part of the Antibodies for Any Body campaign makes sense, since it’s geared towards helping people understand what antibodies do for you, how they protect against germs and toxins.”

The campaign, launched in partnership with the biopharmaceutical company Invivyd, seeks to educate everyday people on supporting their immune health through informed lifestyle choices. Vonn serves as a relatable spokesperson, drawing parallels between the discipline she applies to training her body for peak athletic performance and the everyday actions individuals can take to strengthen their natural defenses. Antibodies, she highlights, act as the body’s targeted protectors—recognizing and neutralizing threats like viruses or toxins to keep us healthy. By sharing her story, Vonn hopes to inspire others to take proactive steps toward wellness, much like she has throughout her own career of overcoming obstacles.

This involvement comes at a pivotal moment in Vonn’s life. After months of pain, hospital stays, and grueling rehabilitation, the opportunity to contribute to a cause larger than herself provides additional motivation. It also aligns perfectly with her philosophy of planning for success—not just in sports, but in all aspects of life. As she prepares for her summer getaway, Vonn envisions a period of disconnection from the intensity of her Olympic aftermath, allowing her mind and body to recharge amid new experiences like exploring coral reefs while scuba diving or catching the wind on a kite surfboard.

Looking further ahead, the fall surgery represents another milestone on her journey back to normalcy. Vonn remains optimistic that it will be the last major intervention needed, paving the way for even greater progress in her physical therapy and eventual return to the mountains. Her fans, who have followed her through triumphs and challenges alike, continue to rally behind her, inspired by her transparency and unbreakable spirit.

In many ways, Lindsey Vonn’s story transcends skiing. It is a testament to human resilience, the power of a positive mindset, and the importance of balancing ambition with self-care. Whether she is plunging into the ocean depths, harnessing the power of the wind on the water, or simply soaking in the peace of a much-needed vacation, Vonn is reminding everyone—including herself—that life after hardship can still be filled with joy, adventure, and purpose.

As summer approaches in 2026, Vonn’s plane ticket sits ready, symbolizing not just a trip away from her recent struggles, but a deliberate step toward reclaiming the vibrant, active life she has always cherished. With her sixth surgery on the horizon and a full recovery firmly in her sights, the Olympic champion is proving once again why she remains an icon of perseverance. Her message is clear: even in the face of shattering setbacks, planning for success, embracing new thrills, and caring for one’s health from the inside out can lead to brighter days ahead.

Vonn’s summer promises to be one of healing, exploration, and quiet victories. From the underwater wonders awaiting her on scuba dives to the exhilarating lessons in kite surfing with a friend, she is intentionally creating moments of lightness and fun. These experiences will complement her continued PT regimen, ensuring that her body stays on track while her spirit finds renewal. And when the time comes to return to the slopes—whether for casual runs or something more competitive—there is little doubt that Lindsey Vonn will approach it with the same fire that has defined her legendary career.

For now, though, the focus is on the present: disconnecting, reconnecting with adventure in gentler forms, and using her voice to promote greater understanding of the human body’s incredible defenses. The “Antibodies for Any Body” initiative stands as a meaningful extension of Vonn’s lifelong dedication to excellence, showing that true champions invest not only in their own success but in empowering others to thrive as well.