Lindsey Vonn received a heartwarming message from Cristiano Ronaldo as she gave her fans an update on her injury. The alpine skier was inspired by the soccer legend’s message.
Vonn experienced a serious crash during her Downhill run at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old suffered a complex tibia fracture and had to undergo five surgeries, but is now finally out of the hospital.
Cristiano Ronaldo Inspires Lindsey Vonn With Touching Instagram Tribute
In her post on Instagram, Vonn revealed that there were fears that her leg would have to be amputated due to the complexity of the fracture she suffered. But those fears were allayed, and she is now turning her focus on rehab and “progressing from a wheelchair to crutches”.
The post from Vonn drew a number of messages of support from the sports community, with many big-name athletes also sharing their best wishes. She also received a message from Cristiano, who sent her an uplifting message.
“Champions are defined by the moments they win, and the moments they refuse to give up. Lindsey Vonn, the mountains you conquered were never bigger than the strength you carry. Keep fighting. Legends always rise,” Ronaldo commented under Vonn’s post on Instagram.
Vonn was inspired by Cristiano’s message and replied, “Coming from you, this means so much.”
Vonn also received messages of support from the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, figure skater Madison Chock, actor Taylor Lautner, and skiers Sara Hector and Paula Moltzan, among others.
After spending weeks at hospitals in Italy and the United States, Vonn is switching her focus to the next step on the road to recovery.
Vonn Has Enjoyed an Excellent 2026 Skiing Season
While a crash seconds into her Downhill run ended her hopes of winning another Olympic medal, Vonn has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season on the FIS World Cup stage. The Minnesota native has enjoyed two wins, two second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes so far this season.
Vonn’s impressive results have her sitting sixth in the overall standings and at the top of the Downhill charts. She is currently 144 points clear of second-placed Emma Aicher with 400 points to her name.
Unless another athlete manages to overcome that gap before the end of the current season, Vonn will be crowned with her 17th discipline title. She already has eight Downhill crowns to her name, as well as five Super-G and three Combined titles.
