Lindsey Vonn is not prioritizing fashion for the Met Gala 2026. Instead, the 41-year-old Olympic gold medalist has a singular goal: to walk on her own again. Just under three months after a frightening crash at the Winter Olympics in Italy, Vonn told CNN she wants to take a few steps without crutches on one of the biggest nights in fashion.
Recovery After Severe Crash
Vonn broke her leg badly during the downhill race on February 8, requiring eight surgeries. At one point, doctors feared she could lose her leg. Since then, she has been moving between a wheelchair and crutches. Now, she sees the Met Gala stairs as a turning point.
A Personal Test
Vonn emphasized that this moment is about proving to herself that she is improving. “There are a few stairs. Yes, it’s going to be intense,” she said. “I was like, can I do this? Can I do this? But Thom Browne asked me a long time ago.” The iconic staircase at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has become a personal challenge. “It’s been the thing that I’m like: can I get there? It’s been the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m going to try to walk,” she explained. “It’s supposed to be my first day of walking a little bit without crutches. So from the start to the top of the stairs, if I can make it with no crutches, that’s a huge win.”
Survival Mode and Reflection
Vonn described her current state as “survival mode” as she works through pain and a long recovery. “You know, I think you have to be reflective. And I haven’t really been able to be that reflective yet, because I’m still in survival mode,” she said. The injury was severe: a complex fracture in her left leg, and she still needs at least one more surgery to fix a torn ACL. Despite the challenges, she tries to stay positive. “Maybe this is going to be the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my life. Maybe some door will open that would never otherwise be open to me,” she shared.
No Retirement Plans
Vonn also addressed retirement rumors. Speaking on CBS Mornings, she pushed back on the idea. “My dad jumped the gun. He knows by now that if you tell me not to do something, I’m gonna do it,” she said. “I want to ski regardless of if I’m racing. I love the mountains, that’s always been my passion.” This mindset has defined her career; she has come back from injuries before, even competing with a titanium implant in her knee. This recovery is longer and harder, but climbing those steps without support would be a sign of progress.
