Lindsey Vonn Breaks Leg in Olympic Ski Crash

Ski star Lindsey Vonn crashed during the Olympic downhill event and broke her leg. She was taken to the hospital and had surgery. This sad event likely ends her Olympic career.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

Olympic Dream Ends Abruptly Amidst Painful Fall

Lindsey Vonn's pursuit of Olympic glory concluded abruptly after a significant crash during the women's downhill event. The incident, occurring mere seconds into her run, resulted in a fractured leg and has likely ended her competitive career. Vonn, who was already competing with a ruptured ACL sustained just days prior, was airlifted from the course and subsequently underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture. The crash has prompted widespread concern and an outpouring of support from the sports community, highlighting the considerable risks athletes undertake.

Lindsey Vonn moved to intensive care as incredible new photo reveals key detail of what caused her horror crash which broke her leg and wrecked her Winter Olympic dream - 1

Details of the Incident and Immediate Aftermath

The crash occurred approximately 13 seconds into Vonn's downhill run at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Multiple accounts indicate Vonn clipped a gate with her right side, specifically her shoulder or arm, while navigating a turn. This contact reportedly caused her to lose balance and rotate in the air before landing heavily on the snow. Eyewitnesses and broadcast footage captured Vonn in visible pain, screaming and unable to detach her skis, leading to a prompt medical response.

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Lindsey Vonn moved to intensive care as incredible new photo reveals key detail of what caused her horror crash which broke her leg and wrecked her Winter Olympic dream - 2

  • Key moments:

  • Collision with a gate within the first 13 seconds of the race.

  • Loss of balance and aerial rotation.

  • Hard landing on the snow.

  • Inability to release skis, indicating a severe impact.

  • Immediate medical attention and extraction from the course via helicopter.

Medical Assessment and Intervention

Following the crash, Lindsey Vonn was transported by helicopter to a clinic in Cortina and later transferred to a hospital in Treviso. Reports confirm she sustained a fractured leg and underwent orthopedic surgery on Sunday afternoon to stabilize the injury. This latest injury occurred on the same leg where she had recently ruptured her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Her personal surgeon, who had been assisting her with the ACL injury, was reportedly on-site and traveled with her to ensure continuity of care. While initial reports confirmed she was in stable condition, the severity of the fracture and its impact on her long-term recovery remain significant considerations.

Read More: Lindsey Vonn Hurt in Ski Race Crash

Lindsey Vonn moved to intensive care as incredible new photo reveals key detail of what caused her horror crash which broke her leg and wrecked her Winter Olympic dream - 3

Background and Pre-Existing Conditions

Vonn's participation in this Olympic event was notable given her recent injury history. Just nine days prior to the downhill race, she ruptured the ACL in her left knee during a World Cup event in Switzerland. Despite this significant injury, and having undergone knee replacement surgery in the past, Vonn opted to compete, fueled by a desire to end her career on her terms and on a course she favored. Her decision to race was described as a testament to her resilience and determination, even as it carried inherent risks. She had previously retired from elite ski racing and returned for this Olympic bid, reportedly feeling consistently healthier after robotic knee surgery.

Lindsey Vonn moved to intensive care as incredible new photo reveals key detail of what caused her horror crash which broke her leg and wrecked her Winter Olympic dream - 4

Race Context and Olympic Significance

The women's downhill event was a pivotal moment in Vonn's planned final Olympic appearance. The race was momentarily halted to allow for medical attention to the injured skier. The outcome of the race itself saw American teammate Breezy Johnson secure a gold medal, with Vonn's crash occurring early in her run, preventing her from finishing. The incident cast a somber shadow over the competition, drawing immediate reactions from fellow athletes and commentators alike.

Expert Commentary and Reactions

The incident has elicited strong emotional responses from the skiing community. Former British downhill skier Chemmy Alcott, now a BBC expert, was visibly moved by the crash, expressing the difficulty of witnessing such an event. Vonn's sister, Karin Kildow, also shared her emotional reaction to the distressing scenes. Mikaela Shiffrin, another American competitor, conveyed her support via social media. Coach Aksel Lund Svindal was noted as being particularly concerned. Reports also indicate Vonn, even from the helicopter, was seen cheering for her teammate Johnson.

Concluding Observations and Implications

The crash of Lindsey Vonn marks a painful and premature end to her final Olympic campaign. The event underscores the intense physical demands and inherent dangers of professional downhill skiing, particularly for athletes competing with pre-existing injuries. The immediate focus has shifted to her recovery, with her fractured leg requiring surgical intervention. The incident also highlights the significant emotional toll such events can take on athletes and their support systems, while simultaneously showcasing the deep respect and camaraderie within the sport. The long-term implications for her career are substantial, with reports suggesting this event has effectively concluded her competitive journey.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during the Olympic downhill race and broke her leg.
Q: Was she badly hurt?
Yes, she broke her leg and had to have surgery. She was airlifted from the course.
Q: Will she race again?
It is very likely that this crash means her Olympic career is over.
Q: Did she have other injuries before?
Yes, she had a torn ACL in the same leg just before the race.