Lindsey Vonn, the renowned three-time Olympic medallist, has shared that she is not alone in her rehabilitation journey, revealing on social media that her sister, Karin Kildow, has sustained an injury and is also recuperating. In a lively post shared on Instagram Stories, Vonn announced that Kildow, aged 33, has torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), thus joining her in the recovery process.
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The 41-year-old former professional skier has faced her own battle with injuries following a serious crash during the women’s downhill event at the Milan Cortina Games. Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture and a broken right ankle from the incident, which occurred on 8 February 2026. In her Instagram update, she referred to Kildow playfully as “patient #2” while showcasing a clip of her sister, who was seen limping into view on crutches.
“Welcome to the Vonn rehab centre,” Vonn exclaimed in a caption accompanying the cheerful video. She could be heard cheering in the background as Kildow made her way towards her, further demonstrating their close bond as they both navigate their physical recovery together.
Kildow’s injury has come shortly after she played a crucial role in assisting Vonn during her recovery in hospital. While tending to her sister in a medical facility in Treviso, Italy, Kildow light-heartedly commented on the attractiveness of some of the doctors attending to Vonn. Her humorous take resulted in a February Instagram post where she urged her followers to “delete your dating apps and just go to an Italian emergency room” while sharing footage of the doctors in scrubs.
Although the specifics of when Kildow’s ACL injury occurred are not clear, the announcement comes at a time when Lindsey Vonn appears to be making significant strides in her rehabilitation. Just last week, she shared a video of herself using a stationary bike and has been seen moving about her home using a scooter to assist her mobility.
While focusing on her physical healing, Vonn has also taken the time to reflect on her mental state regarding her future in skiing. In a candid post on 15 March, she disclosed her current sentiments about the possibility of returning to the sport after her injuries. “No, I’m not ready to discuss my future in skiing,” she stated. “My focus has been on recovering from my injury and getting back to normal life.”
Vonn remarked on the fulfilling life she has outside of skiing, having been retired for six years. She expressed gratitude for being able to return to the sport at the age of 41 and for achieving significant milestones that left an indelible mark on her career. “It was incredible to be #1 in the world again at 41 years old and set new records in my sport,” she added, underscoring her pride in her accomplishments.
Given the bond that the sisters share, both Vonn and Kildow are likely to support each other throughout their rehabilitation processes. With their combined resilience, it is hoped they will each return to full health soon, potentially inspiring others facing similar challenges. As they both focus on recovery, fans of the sport will undoubtedly be keen to follow their journey closely.
The experience Vonn and Kildow are sharing highlights the reality of the challenges faced by professional athletes, even beyond their competitive years. As they work through their respective injuries, it serves as a poignant reminder of the physical toll that high-level sporting achievements can impose while also showcasing the importance of familial support during difficult times.