Lindsey Vonn, a celebrated American skier, sustained an injury after crashing during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina. Vonn was airlifted from the course following the incident. Initial reports indicate she is in stable condition. The crash occurred early in her run, just seconds after leaving the starting gate.
Race Day Events and Vonn's Incident
On Sunday, February 8th, Lindsey Vonn participated in the women's downhill race. Despite a previous knee injury, Vonn started her run, a testament to her determination to compete in what may be her final Olympics. Reports suggest she clipped a gate in mid-air, causing her to lose balance. This led to a significant fall where she tumbled multiple times before coming to a stop on the snow. Medical personnel immediately attended to her, and she was subsequently airlifted off the mountain for further evaluation.
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Vonn was competing approximately nine days after rupturing a ligament in her knee.
She had previously undergone surgery for a torn ACL and has a partial titanium knee replacement.
The crash occurred very early in her run, with some accounts placing it as few as 13 seconds after starting.
Her teammate, Breezy Johnson, went on to win the gold medal in the same event.
Details of the Crash
Accounts from various sources describe a similar sequence of events leading to Vonn's fall. She is reported to have lost control shortly after starting.
One report indicates her right ski pole may have caught a course marker, affecting her balance.
Other reports mention her clipping a race gate with her ski or shoulder.
Following the impact, she was seen tumbling down the icy slope.
After stopping, she remained on the snow for several minutes as medical staff attended to her.
She was heard calling out, indicating distress and an inability to unclip her skis.
Condition and Response
Following the crash, there was an immediate focus on Vonn's well-being.
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The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team issued a statement confirming she sustained an injury and is in stable condition.
She was airlifted from the course to a local hospital or one further away, depending on the severity of her injury.
Her sister, Karin Kildow, and other family members were present and visibly distressed by the incident.
Her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, had previously expressed confidence in her ability to perform.
Broader Context of the Event
Vonn's crash cast a somber mood over an otherwise triumphant day for American skiing, with Breezy Johnson securing the gold medal.
Johnson, who has also faced significant injuries in her career, was visibly upset upon witnessing Vonn's fall.
Vonn's bid for a medal, especially after overcoming previous injuries, had garnered considerable attention.
Her participation in this Olympics was seen as a remarkable comeback, given her age and prior physical challenges.
Evidence of Injury and Status
The available information points to an injury occurring during the crash, though specific details of the diagnosis are not yet fully public.
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The primary concern stems from her torn ACL that she was skiing on, coupled with the impact of the crash.
She was described as being in stable condition after being airlifted.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation president indicated that Vonn would be taken to a hospital for evaluation of injury severity.
Sources Used:
The New York Times (The Athletic) - Article 1: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/winter-olympics-2026-milano-cortina-live-updates-day-two-schedule-events-scores-results/8s1e189nPz5X/ (Published: Date not specified, live updates format) - Provides general updates on the Olympic event, including Vonn's crash and airlift.
The New York Times (The Athletic) - Article 2: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7030495/2026/02/08/lindsey-vonn-winter-olympics-downhill-crash-torn-acl/ (Published: 34 minutes ago) - Details Vonn's pre-race condition, the sequence of the crash, and her fall.
Sporting News - Article 3: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/lindsey-vonn-crash-updates-latest-usa-womens-downhill-winter-olympics/d3413dc578090455d3767630 (Published: 22 minutes ago) - Describes Vonn's crash, being airlifted, and the impact on her Olympic bid.
NBC Olympics - Article 4: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/lindsey-vonn-crashes-olympic-downhill-will-be-evaluated-medical-staff (Published: 16 minutes ago) - Reports Vonn's crash, clipping a gate, losing balance, and confirmation of evaluation by medical staff.
People - Article 5: https://www.people.com/lindsey-vonn-stable-condition-after-crash-during-2026-winter-olympics-skiing-final (Published: 22 minutes ago) - Confirms Vonn's stable condition, being in the hands of doctors, and the circumstances of the crash, including a potential ski pole incident.
BBC Sport - Article 6: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c98q5g51z4no (Published: 48 minutes ago) - Details the crash, mentioning the ski pole hitting a gate, and notes her teammate Breezy Johnson's win.
USA Today - Article 7: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/08/womens-downhill-results-highlights-lindsey-vonn/88568928007/ (Published: 32 minutes ago) - Covers the women's downhill results and Vonn's crash and airlift.
CBC - Article 8: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/livestory/olympics-2026-milano-cortina-winter-olympic-games-day-2-team-canada-live-updates-9.7079451 (Published: 23 minutes ago) - Mentions Vonn being airlifted and still being evaluated, according to her sister.
CBS News - Article 9: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lindsey-vonn-downhill-milano-cortina/ (Published: 15 minutes ago) - Reports on Vonn being placed on a stretcher, airlifted, and her inability to unclip her skis after the crash.
TIME - Article 10: https://www.time.com/7372933/lindsey-vonn-olympics-crash/ (Published: 31 minutes ago) - Focuses on family reactions and emotional responses to the crash.
The New York Times (The Athletic) - Article 11: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7030679/2026/02/08/lindsey-vonn-crash-olympics-downhill-photos/ (Published: 7 minutes ago) - Provides details on how the crash unfolded, including her position on the snow and medical attention.
NBC News - Article 12: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/live-blog/2026-winter-olympics-live-updates-lindsey-vonn-compete-downhill-injury-rcna256599 (Published: 4 minutes ago) - Covers the delay in the women's downhill after Vonn's crash and mentions her teammate Breezy Johnson winning gold.
USA Today (FTW) - Article 13: https://ftw-eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/08/lindsey-vonn-injury-update-crash-olympics-downhill/88577094007/ (Published: 14 minutes ago) - Details Vonn's crash, hitting a gate with her arm, and the subsequent airlift, citing the FIS president on potential hospital transfer.
ESPN - Article 14: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47865581/lindsey-vonn-skiing-torn-acl-crashes-olympic-downhill (Published: 5 hours ago) - Describes the crash, Vonn's reaction, and notes her return to racing with existing knee issues.
NBC Olympics - Article 15: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/american-breezy-johnson-wins-downhill-gold-lindsey-vonn-airlifted-course-after-crash (Published: 15 minutes ago) - Reports on Breezy Johnson winning gold and Vonn being airlifted after her crash.
The Independent - Article 16: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/winter-olympics/lindsey-vonn-acl-womens-downhill-skiing-winter-live-stream-results-winter-olympics-b2916150.html (Published: 3 minutes ago) - Headline suggests Vonn is 'stable' after a crash.
Sports Illustrated - Article 17: https://www.si.com/winter-olympics/lindsey-vonn-comeback-ends-tragedy-milan-cortina-skiing (Published: 1 hour ago) - Focuses on the narrative of Vonn's comeback ending with the crash.
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