Coco Gauff rallies behind US Olympic icon with heartfelt message during difficult time

US tennis star Coco Gauff has publicly shown her support for alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, who is enduring one of the most challenging chapters of her life during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Lindsey Vonn’s devastating setback in Milan

Vonn’s attempt to make history as the oldest woman to win a Winter Olympic medal was cut short in dramatic fashion. Just 13 seconds into her first race at the Milan Cortina Games, the 41-year-old crashed heavily and was airlifted from the mountain to a nearby medical facility.

Medical evaluations later confirmed a complex fracture in her left tibia, requiring multiple surgeries. The setback alone marked a crushing blow to her Olympic ambitions.

However, the heartbreak deepened off the slopes.

Personal loss compounds Olympic pain

On the same day as her crash, Lindsey Vonn also lost her beloved dog, Leo. The Olympic champion shared the emotional news in an Instagram post, describing the ordeal as the “hardest” time of her life.

“The day I crashed, so did Leo,” Vonn wrote. “He had been recently diagnosed with lung cancer (he survived lymphoma a year and a half ago) but now his heart was failing him. He was in pain and his body could no longer keep up with his strong mind.

“As I layed in my hospital bed the day after my crash, we said goodbye to my big boy. I had lost so much that meant something to me in such a short amount of time. I can’t believe it. My boy has been with me since my second ACL injury, when I needed him most.”

Vonn, who previously lost her other dogs Lucy and Bear, concluded her tribute with a deeply personal farewell.

“There will never be another Leo. He will always be my first love. Heading in for more surgery today. Will be thinking of him when I close my eyes. I will love you forever my big boy 🤍,” she wrote.

Coco Gauff’s message resonates across sports world

Among the many messages of support pouring in from across the sporting community, Coco Gauff added her voice under Lindsey Vonn’s post, commenting:

“I ‘m so sorry for your loss ❤️,”

While Vonn continues to prepare for additional surgery after returning to the United States, she remains steadfast in backing Team USA during the Games. In the face of injury and grief, the alpine icon’s resilience has drawn admiration — and Coco Gauff’s heartfelt message underscored the unity that binds American athletes across disciplines.