Monday, February 9, 2026 - Lindsey Vonn is reported to be in stable condition after a heavy crash during the women’s downhill final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, an incident that brought her emotional Olympic comeback to a sudden end.
The American skier burst out of the starting gate but clipped
a gate with her right arm just 13 seconds into her run, losing control and
tumbling violently down the slope before coming to a stop. A hush fell over the
Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo as medical personnel rushed to
her aid.
The three-time Olympic medalist was later airlifted from the
Olimpia delle Tofane piste, with spectators standing in applause as she was
taken away for treatment. She was transported by helicopter to a hospital in
Treviso, according to reports.
The US Ski & Snowboard Team confirmed that Vonn had sustained an injury but said she was in stable condition and receiving care from a team of American and Italian doctors.
The crash marked a heartbreaking end to what had been a
fairytale Olympic return for the 41-year-old, who entered the Games despite
carrying a completely ruptured ACL from a recent accident on the World Cup
circuit. Although her participation had been widely viewed as a major risk,
Vonn had completed training runs and remained determined to compete.
After a lengthy delay following the incident, the women’s
downhill event resumed, with Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson going on to claim
Team USA’s first gold medal of the Games
Concern now centres on the severity of Vonn’s injuries, with fellow
athletes and fans expressing shock and sadness. Retired Olympic champion Tina
Maze described the moment as devastating, noting the immense physical and
emotional strain Vonn had endured in the build-up to the race.
Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, said the fall was frightening to
watch but insisted the skiing icon would have no regrets about competing. She
added that Vonn is known for giving everything to the sport, despite the risks
involved.
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