Lindsey Vonn was seen in a wheelchair after opening up about her mental health struggles following her Olympic crash.

American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn was recently seen being assisted through an airport in Los Angeles in a wheelchair, marking another step in her ongoing recovery journey after a devastating crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics earlier this year.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Lindsey Vonn in a wheelchair with crutches being assisted through an airport, Image 2 shows Lindsey Vonn in a wheelchair at an airport, surrounded by staff, Image 3 shows Lindsey Vonn crashing during the Women’s Downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

The sighting comes as the decorated athlete continues to heal from multiple surgeries required after the accident, which occurred during the women’s downhill event in February. The crash left her with a severe fracture in her left leg, an injury so serious that doctors at one stage feared amputation might be necessary.

A Difficult Road to Recovery

Images taken over the weekend showed Vonn seated in a wheelchair as airport staff assisted her through the terminal. Dressed in a simple, dark-colored outfit suitable for travel, she appeared composed despite the circumstances. In some of the photos, she was seen holding a bag on her lap and even smiling, while one of the attendants helping her also appeared in good spirits.

Although she relied on the wheelchair for mobility, Vonn was also seen with crutches, suggesting that she is gradually regaining some level of independence as she progresses through rehabilitation.

Lindsey Vonn was spotted being assisted through the airport in a wheelchair with crutches in hand, after suffering an injury following her heroic Olympic efforts. KONY / BACKGRID

Her presence at the airport highlights just how far she has come since the traumatic injury, even though her recovery is still very much ongoing.

The Severity of the Olympic Injury

The accident, which took place on February 8 in Italy during the Olympic competition, resulted in a complex tibial fracture that led to severe complications. Among them was compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition that can cause increased pressure within the muscles and restrict blood flow.

At one point, medical professionals were racing against time to save her leg. The situation was so critical that amputation was considered a real possibility, underlining the seriousness of her condition.

Vonn later described the immense pain she experienced during the early stages of treatment, recalling a particularly harrowing moment during a CT scan.

“Halfway through, I started sweating. I was just in such extreme pain. I screamed at the top of my lungs: Get me out.”

She explained that the pain was relentless and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on her memory.

Mental Health Struggles After the Crash

Beyond the physical challenges, Vonn has been candid about the emotional toll the injury has taken on her. The three-time Olympic medalist revealed that she experienced periods of depression in the aftermath of the crash.

Lindsey Vonn crashing during the Women’s Downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Getty Images

Lindsey Vonn was spotted being assisted through the airport in a wheelchair, with crutches in hand, after suffering an injury following her heroic Olympic efforts. KONY / BACKGRID

In interviews, she described her mental state as fluctuating, with both difficult lows and gradual improvements.

“I’d say in the last month, it’s definitely gotten better, but of course there were really low moments.”

One of the most challenging aspects for her was the sudden loss of independence. Known for her strength and self-reliance, Vonn found it particularly difficult to depend entirely on others for basic needs.

She spent approximately two and a half weeks alone in the hospital, completely immobile. That period proved to be one of the toughest parts of her recovery, as the lack of movement and isolation weighed heavily on her both physically and emotionally.

Gradual Progress and Small Victories

Despite these hardships, Vonn has begun to see encouraging signs of progress. She shared that she has reached several important milestones in her recovery, helping to restore a sense of normalcy in her life.

Her outlook has become increasingly positive as she continues to heal, with the skier expressing optimism about regaining her independence and returning to everyday activities.

“I’m getting closer to being back to the real world and getting my life back.”

These small but meaningful steps have played a crucial role in lifting her spirits and reinforcing her determination to move forward.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Vonn has already started planning for the months ahead, signaling her confidence in continued improvement. She has even booked a plane ticket for upcoming summer travel, an indication that she expects to regain a greater level of mobility in the near future.

According to her own expectations, the next six weeks could bring significant progress, allowing her to live more normally and resume aspects of her routine that were previously impossible during the early stages of recovery.

Not Ready to Walk Away from Skiing

Perhaps most notably, Vonn made it clear that her connection to skiing remains strong despite the traumatic experience. While it is uncertain whether she will return to competitive racing, she expressed a firm intention to stay involved in the sport in some capacity.

“Whether it’s on the race course or not, I’ll definitely be going back to it.”

This statement reflects not only her passion for skiing but also her resilience and determination to reclaim a sense of identity tied to the sport that defined her career.

A Story of Strength and Resilience

Lindsey Vonn was spotted being assisted through the airport in a wheelchair with crutches in hand, after suffering an injury following her heroic Olympic efforts. KONY / BACKGRID

The images of Lindsey Vonn in a wheelchair serve as a powerful reminder of both the severity of her injury and the remarkable progress she has made since then. From a life-threatening situation that nearly cost her a limb to gradually regaining independence, her journey has been anything but easy.

Her willingness to speak openly about her mental health struggles adds another layer to her story, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional challenges that accompany physical injuries.

As she continues to recover, Vonn’s experience stands as a testament to perseverance, illustrating how even the most accomplished athletes must confront vulnerability and rebuild step by step after life-altering events.