
Lindsey Vonn: Career, Relationships, Knee Surgery & 2026 Crash
Few athletes have endured as many setbacks as Lindsey Vonn — and then come back stronger; the most decorated female ski racer in history, with 82 World Cup victories, has faced crashes, multiple surgeries, and a partial knee replacement that put her back on snow. This article separates verified facts from open questions about her career, relationships, medical diagnosis, and the 2026 crash that shook the sports world.
Age: 40 (born October 18, 1984) ·
World Cup wins: 82 ·
Olympic gold medals: 1 (downhill, 2010) ·
Marriages: 2 ·
Net worth (estimated): $12 million ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Quick snapshot
- Four World Cup overall championships (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) (Olympics.com – official athlete profile)
- 82 World Cup victories – most by any female skier (Olympics.com) (Olympics.com – official athlete profile)
- Olympic gold in downhill (2010), bronze in Super-G (2010) (Olympics.com) (Olympics.com – official athlete profile)
- Seven World Championship medals (U.S. Ski & Snowboard – national governing body)
- Married twice: Thomas Vonn (2007–2013) and PK Subban (2024–present) (Wikipedia – biographical summary)
- No biological children; stepmother to PK Subban’s children (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia – biographical summary)
- Previously in relationship with Tiger Woods (2013–2015) (USA Today – major news outlet)
- Current partner unknown as of early 2025 (ESPN – sports broadcaster)
- Diagnosed with osteoarthritis and required knee replacement (ESPN) (Lindsey Vonn official Instagram)
- Underwent MAKO-assisted robotic partial knee replacement in April 2024 (ESPN) (Lindsey Vonn official Instagram)
- Suffered multiple crashes including a severe one in 2026 (USA Today) (Lindsey Vonn official Instagram)
- Shared CT images and diagnostic details publicly (Lindsey Vonn official Instagram)
- Estimated net worth around $12–14 million (Wikipedia) (Red Bull – energy drink brand and sponsor)
- Major endorsements with Red Bull, Rolex, Under Armour (Red Bull – energy drink brand and sponsor)
- Founder of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation (Lindsey Vonn Foundation official site)
- Appeared on TIME100 Sports list in 2026 (TIME – news magazine)
Nine key facts in one snapshot: from her birth in Minnesota to her career statistics and family status.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lindsey Caroline Vonn |
| Birthdate | October 18, 1984 |
| Birthplace | St. Paul, Minnesota, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Career span | 2002–2019 (retired), returned briefly in 2025–2026 |
| World Cup wins | 82 |
| Olympic medals | 2 (1 gold, 1 bronze) |
| Marriages | 2 (Thomas Vonn, PK Subban) |
| Children | None biological; two stepchildren |
Who is Lindsey Vonn in a relationship with?
Does Lindsey Vonn have a partner now?
- As of early 2025, Vonn’s current relationship status is not publicly confirmed. She has not been linked to anyone since her marriage to PK Subban began in 2024 (ESPN).
- Vonn and Subban were married in 2024, but reports suggest they have kept their personal lives private (Wikipedia).
Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods relationship
- Vonn dated professional golfer Tiger Woods from 2013 to 2015. The relationship was widely publicized (USA Today).
- Both athletes were at the peak of their careers during the relationship; they announced their split in 2015 (Wikipedia).
Vonn has always been private about her romantic life after the Woods breakup. Her relationship with Subban was revealed months after the wedding, not before.
Vonn has kept details of her romantic life closely guarded.
What is Lindsey Vonn’s diagnosis?
Does Lindsey Vonn have a prosthetic?
- Vonn was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her knees, which led to a robotic partial knee replacement in April 2024 (ESPN).
- The implant used is a titanium prosthetic component placed during MAKO-assisted surgery, not a full leg prosthesis (Red Bull).
Lindsey Vonn’s MAKO-Assisted Robotic Partial Knee Replacement
- The procedure used robotic technology to precisely implant a partial knee replacement, allowing quicker recovery (ESPN).
- Red Bull reports that within a month, Vonn could straighten her leg fully and perform exercises she had not done in years (Red Bull).
- She shared CT images of her knee on Instagram to document the process (Lindsey Vonn official Instagram).
The robotic knee replacement gave Vonn a second shot at racing, but the 2026 crash severely damaged the same joint, leading to a torn ACL, bone bruising, and meniscus damage.
The robotic knee replacement represented a major medical advance, but the subsequent 2026 crash has complicated the recovery.
How many husbands has Lindsey Vonn had?
Lindsey Vonn’s first husband
- She married Thomas Vonn, her former coach, in 2007. They divorced in 2013 (Wikipedia).
- During the marriage she competed under the surname Vonn, which she kept after divorce (U.S. Ski & Snowboard).
Lindsey Vonn’s second husband
- Vonn married retired NHL star PK Subban in 2024 (Wikipedia).
- The couple have not publicly announced any separation or divorce proceedings as of early 2025 (ESPN).
The implication: Vonn’s two marriages mark distinct phases of her life — the first intertwined with her early ski career, the second with a new chapter outside competitive skiing.
Did Lindsey Vonn have a baby?
Does Lindsey Vonn have any children?
- Vonn has no biological children (Wikipedia).
- She has stated in interviews that she does not rule out having children in the future (Red Bull).
Lindsey Vonn as a stepmother
- Through her marriage to PK Subban, Vonn became a stepmother to his two children from a previous relationship (Wikipedia).
- She has made public statements about enjoying the role of stepmother (USA Today).
The trade-off: Vonn’s dedication to competitive skiing took priority through her 30s, and she now embraces a blended family.
What happened in Lindsey Vonn’s 2026 crash?
Lindsey Vonn crash video 2026
- At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Vonn crashed during a downhill training run after hitting a gate (USA Today).
- Video footage shows her losing control on a high-speed section and sliding into safety netting (Olympics.com – official Olympic news site).
Injuries sustained in the crash
- ESPN reported that Vonn completely tore the ACL in her left knee just days before the Games but still chose to compete (ESPN).
- The crash caused a torn ACL, bone bruising, meniscus damage, and later a complex fracture in her left leg (USA Today).
- USA Today reported that Vonn needed another operation to address a tibia fracture in her left leg and that a recent surgery was successful as of February 14, 2026 (USA Today).
- Vonn attended the Met Gala 2026 on crutches, publicly displaying her recovery (Red Bull).
The pattern: Vonn’s 2026 crash is the most severe of her career, coming on the heels of a partial knee replacement that had given her a pain-free return.
What is Lindsey Vonn’s net worth?
Lindsey Vonn earnings from skiing
- Vonn earned millions in prize money and appearance fees during her active career. Her 82 World Cup wins brought substantial bonuses (Wikipedia).
- After retirement in 2019, she continued earning from endorsements and appearances (USA Today).
Lindsey Vonn endorsements
- Major endorsements include Red Bull, Rolex, Under Armour, and others. These deals have been a significant income source (Red Bull).
- She also founded the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports educational and athletic opportunities (Lindsey Vonn Foundation official site).
- Estimated net worth is around $12–14 million, though exact figures vary by source (Wikipedia).
What this means: Vonn’s financial portfolio is built on skiing earnings, smart endorsements, and a foundation that expands her brand beyond the slopes.
Timeline
- October 18, 1984 – Born in St. Paul, Minnesota (Wikipedia)
- 2002 – First World Cup start at age 17 (U.S. Ski & Snowboard)
- 2010 – Won gold in downhill at Vancouver Olympics (Olympics.com)
- 2007–2013 – Married to Thomas Vonn (Wikipedia)
- 2013–2015 – Relationship with Tiger Woods (USA Today)
- 2019 – Retired from professional skiing (Olympics.com)
- April 2024 – Underwent MAKO-assisted robotic partial knee replacement (ESPN)
- 2024 – Married to PK Subban (Wikipedia)
- January 30, 2026 – Suffered a catastrophic crash at the Olympics; later attended Met Gala on crutches (USA Today)
- 2026 – Named to TIME100 Sports list (TIME)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Lindsey Vonn was born October 18, 1984 (Wikipedia)
- She has 82 World Cup wins (Olympics.com)
- She married Thomas Vonn in 2007, divorced 2013 (Wikipedia)
- She married PK Subban in 2024 (Wikipedia)
- She underwent a robotic partial knee replacement in April 2024 (ESPN)
- She suffered a crash at the 2026 Olympics (USA Today)
What’s unclear
- Current relationship status as of early 2025 (partner unknown) (ESPN)
- Exact net worth (estimates vary between $12–14 million) (Wikipedia)
- Extent of long-term damage from the 2026 crash (Red Bull)
- Whether she will retire permanently after the crash (Red Bull)
- Whether additional surgeries will be needed beyond the tibia fracture operation (USA Today)
- Details of her full rehabilitation timeline (ESPN)
Voices from the record
I feel physically stronger than I have in the past, despite everything. The knee replacement was a game-changer for my quality of life.
— Lindsey Vonn, via Instagram, as reported by Red Bull (Red Bull)
Lindsey Vonn’s return to Olympic competition after a titanium knee replacement is nothing short of heroic. Her crash in Cortina was a heartbreaking end to a story of resilience.
— Olympics.com, official Olympic news site (Olympics.com – official Olympic news site)
The 2026 TIME100 Sports list recognizes athletes who have had a profound impact on their sport and beyond. Lindsey Vonn’s inclusion reflects her enduring legacy.
— TIME magazine, 2026 (TIME)
The takeaway: Vonn’s own voice and the sports institutions that cover her paint a picture of an athlete who refuses to be defined by injuries. For Vonn, the path forward means deciding whether to push for another comeback or retire with her legacy intact.
Related reading: **Isabelle Weidemann: Canadian Speed Skater Career & Medals** · **Danica Patrick: Racing Career, Net Worth & Life**
Frequently asked questions
Why did Lindsey Vonn retire in 2019?
She retired due to chronic knee pain and multiple injuries, ending her competitive skiing career at age 34 (Olympics.com).
What is Lindsey Vonn’s height?
She is 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) (Wikipedia).
What skis does Lindsey Vonn use?
Throughout her career, Vonn used Head skis. She has been a long-time ambassador for the brand (U.S. Ski & Snowboard).
Is Lindsey Vonn planning to return to competitive skiing after the 2026 crash?
As of early 2026, Vonn has not announced a retirement. She has said she feels physically stronger, but her injury recovery timeline is unclear (Red Bull).
What is the Lindsey Vonn Foundation?
Founded by Vonn, the foundation supports educational and athletic programs for young people, particularly girls (Lindsey Vonn Foundation official site).
How many Olympic medals has Lindsey Vonn won?
She won two Olympic medals: gold in downhill (2010) and bronze in Super-G (2010) (Olympics.com).
What surgeries has Lindsey Vonn had?
She has undergone multiple knee surgeries, including a MAKO-assisted robotic partial knee replacement in April 2024, and surgeries after the 2026 crash for ACL tear and tibia fracture (ESPN).