ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The global ski community is rallying around Lindsey Vonn after the iconic skier suffered a broken leg just 13 seconds into her downhill run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Vonn is recovering from that injury at a nearby hospital after she was airlifted from the scene.
That outpouring of support includes a message from a New Mexico native and hall of famer who knows Vonn and also knows the risk involved in the sport.
Ross Anderson and Vonn were inducted together into the Snowsports Hall of Fame in Colorado in 2024.
Anderson, who spent many years as a child on the slopes in Durango, Colorado, is also a member of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum and still holds the speed record for any American. He was recorded going just over 154 miles per hour in France – a record that has stood for almost 20 years now.
“It’s the agony of defeat or thrill of victory. You know, when you’re at that type of level, you either go all or nothing,” said Anderson.
He told KOB 4 Sunday that he believed Vonn and all other high-level skiers are always aware of the risks involved, which makes her efforts at age 41 inspiring, especially considering she ruptured her ACL just nine days before her crash Sunday.
“And what she did is she really made it a point to not give up, regardless of her knee, regardless of anything that’s broken or sprained,” he said.
Anderson is an inspirational figure himself. He says he represents all indigenous people and looked to inspire them to fall in love with the sport, just like he did many years ago.
But he’s also had his fair share of injuries, including a memorable crash in 1998 in France, when he fell going 131 miles per hour.
“And when I did, my suit melted into my skin, and I literally had third-degree burns, and yet competed the next day,” Anderson said. “So, I know all about that.”
For now, he’s hoping his fellow hall of famer will be able to recover quickly and be able to continue her work with her foundation, which looks to help girls from underserved communities follow their passion in sports, art, and more.
“It’s not just about racing. It’s also about giving back to the community. I know she has a foundation. I have a foundation. So, those things really mean a lot to a lot of athletes that are out there,” said Anderson.
While he waits for his friend to recover, Anderson has something else he’s looking forward to as well.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced May 8th of this year will be “Ross Anderson Day” in our state.
“I mean, I can’t believe it myself. It’s surreal. I can’t believe that it’s actually coming up. Of course, I’m a little bit scared about that, too,” he joked.
Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KOB via our online form
or call 505-243-4411.
This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
© KOB-TV, LLC
A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
