After her devastating broken leg at the Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn won’t compete again in this FIS World Cup season – meaning she’s set to lose the ‘red bib’ as the points leader for the downhill.
Vonn’s comeback was one for the ages, but the 41-year-old clipped a gate high up on the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo and crashed hard – causing an ugly leg break and ending her time in Italy.
Her choice to ski after tearing her ACL weeks prior likely would have spelt the end to her season anyway, but Vonn addressed the loss of the bib in a post to her Instagram account.
‘Well… I’ve had the red leader bib from the first race of the season until now, but in all likelihood tomorrow will be my last day as #1,’ Vonn posted.
‘At the beginning of the season no one would have ever believed I would be even close to this position. And I bet people would have laughed if it was even suggested. But winning the title was my goal… and I came painfully close to achieving it.’
Vonn continued: ‘I’m not one to talk about things I’ve achieved but in this instance I feel I need to, maybe more to remind myself than anything else…
Lindsey Vonn is mourning the loss of the red leader bib in the FIS World Cup downhill event
Vonn crashed hard during the downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Now, the skiing icon is focused on her recovery after nearly losing her leg
‘I was on the podium of every single downhill race, including 2 wins. I clawed my way back to #1 in the world after being retired for 6 years with a partial knee replacement and that alone was an incredible achievement I won’t ever forget.
‘Even though in a few days no one will remember that I almost won the season title, I will remember. I didn’t want to win the title to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I knew I could. I just wish I had a chance to fight until the end to try and get it…
‘However, as I sit here I have to reflect and wonder; why does a title mean so much to me? Why am I crying over a crystal trophy?
‘It’s because skiing has always been the thing I love to do most in this world. It has always brought me incredible joy, especially this season. But what I am realizing is that not having one more title doesn’t make this season less extraordinary.
‘It doesn’t take away the joy I had standing in the starting gate or crossing the finish line and seeing #1 next to my name. It doesn’t take away from the incredible time I had with my team and teammates. Singing and dancing with fans and kids in the stadium. Those memories aren’t washed away because of a title.
‘My tears just mean I care. I always have. That’s why I work so hard. Skiing is my passion. Whether I’ll ever be able to do it again is yet to be seen. But at least I have the memories, with or without a title, I feel privileged to have had this adventure.
‘Wherever this path leads I will find my way. I always do. Skiing is what I love to do but it’s not who I am. There are so many reasons to be happy. So much to be thankful for. Thank you all for coming on this journey with me.’
Vonn’s decision to ski on a torn ACL was a controversial choice by the 41-year-old
But the crash saw her shatter her left leg in multiple places, leading to a number of surgeries
After being away from the sport for so long, many doubted if Vonn would be anywhere close to her fiery competitive self.
She instantly proved the doubters wrong by winning the first race she competed in this season and continued to dominate all year long.
But a crash in Switzerland just weeks before the Olympics put her future in jeopardy. After assessing the risks, Vonn ended up pushing herself to compete in the Olympics.
Unfortunately, any question of her continuing her season ended with the crash that resulted in a terrifying injury to Vonn’s leg.
After shattering the bone in multiple places – and briefly fearing the loss of her leg entirely – Vonn was able to return to the US and saved her limb.
Now, the skiing icon is focused on recovery from the injury and doesn’t appear to rule out a return in the future.
