Cortina, Italy - American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn experienced a serious crash during the women's downhill event at the Winter Olympics, resulting in a broken leg. The incident occurred approximately 13 seconds into her run, forcing her to be airlifted from the course for immediate medical attention.
Vonn, a celebrated figure in skiing with numerous World Cup victories, was competing despite a recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained just days prior. Her decision to participate in the Olympic downhill final, with a history of knee injuries and a recent significant one, has drawn attention. She has stated that she has no regrets about her attempt to compete for a medal.
Incident Details
The crash happened early in Vonn's run on Sunday in Cortina. Reports indicate she clipped a race gate while in mid-air, which altered her momentum. She then fell hard and rolled multiple times before coming to rest on her back.
Read More: Olympic Games Have Many Controversies and Scandals
Timing: The incident occurred about 13 seconds into the race.
Cause: Clipping a race gate while airborne.
Immediate Aftermath: Vonn was airlifted from the venue.
Condition: Described as "stable" following the crash.
Injury Assessment and Treatment
Vonn has confirmed she sustained a "complex tibia fracture." This injury is expected to require multiple surgical procedures for stabilization. She has a pre-existing titanium implant in her right knee from previous injuries and was also wearing a brace on her recently injured left knee at the time of the crash.
Diagnosis: Complex tibia fracture.
Treatment: Multiple surgeries are anticipated.
Past Injuries: Vonn has a history of significant injuries, including a previous ACL tear and a partial knee replacement.
Performance Context
Vonn was aiming to compete for a medal despite her recent ACL tear. She had completed two practice runs prior to the final, with one report noting promising results. Her coach had expressed some apprehension about her competing given her injury status. Another American skier, Breezy Johnson, won the gold medal in the same event.
Read More: Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Removed from Olympics for Helmet Tribute
Prior Injury: Ruptured left ACL less than two weeks before the race.
Previous Performance: Won two World Cup races and reached the podium five times earlier in the winter season.
Olympic History: This was Vonn's fifth appearance at the Winter Olympics.
Athlete's Stance
Despite the severity of the crash and her injury, Vonn has expressed a philosophy of taking chances. She stated she has "no regrets" about her decision to compete, framing it as a matter of not wanting to miss an opportunity.
"Life is too short not to take chances on yourself… Because the only failure in life is not trying." - Lindsey Vonn
Broader Impact
The crash brought an end to Vonn's bid for an Olympic medal in what was likely her final Winter Olympics. Her teammate Breezy Johnson secured the gold medal in the event. The incident has also brought attention to the demanding nature of the Olympic downhill course.
Expert Observations
Coach's Concern: Vonn's coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, admitted to being nervous about her competing prior to the event.
Athlete's Determination: Vonn's decision to ski despite a recent ACL tear highlights her strong competitive drive.
Conclusion
Lindsey Vonn's participation in the Winter Olympics downhill final concluded with a significant crash, leading to a broken tibia that will require multiple surgeries. While competing with a pre-existing ACL injury, her attempt to achieve a medal ended abruptly. Vonn maintains a positive outlook, stating she has no regrets about taking the chance to compete. The incident underscores the high-stakes nature of elite alpine skiing and the physical toll it can take on athletes.
Sources:
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/olympics/news/lindsey-vonn-crash-american-skiing-icon-airlifted-away-after-terrifying-fall-in-olympics-womens-downhill/ - Published 2 days ago, provides details on the crash, injury, and her attempt to medal despite an ACL tear.
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/lindsey-vonn-crashes-odds-defying-downhill-ski-run/story?id=129965707 - Published 2 days ago, focuses on Vonn's statement about needing multiple surgeries for a complex tibia fracture and her lack of regrets.
NBC Olympics: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/lindsey-vonn-provides-update-after-scary-crash-i-have-no-regrets - Published 1 day ago, relays Vonn's sentiment about not regretting taking chances and her participation in the downhill event.
Sporting News: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/lindsey-vonn-crash-updates-latest-usa-womens-downhill-winter-olympics/d3413dc578090455d3767630 - Published 2 days ago, covers Vonn's crash, her condition, and how it ended her Olympic bid.
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/lindsey-vonn-crashes-in-downhill-skiing-final-at-winter-olympics-13504857 - Published 2 days ago, reports Vonn being in stable condition after the crash and competing despite an ACL rupture.
ABC Australia: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-08/lindsey-vonn-2026-winter-olympic-games-horror-downhill-crash/106319806 - Published 3 days ago, discusses the crash and Vonn's prior ACL tear, mentioning her coach's concerns.
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/09/nx-s1-5707859/lindsey-vonn-crash-winter-olympics - Published 1 day ago, details the moment of the crash and Vonn's statement that the ACL tear did not contribute to the incident.
NBC Insider: https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/lindsey-vonn-crashes-at-winter-olympics-latest-on-injury-status - Published 3 days ago, provides an update on Vonn's injury status, confirming a broken leg requiring stabilization and surgery.
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/winter-olympics/lindsey-vonn-crash-winter-olympics-downhill-cortina-b2916178.html - Published 2 days ago, a brief report on Vonn undergoing surgery for a leg fracture after her Olympic downhill crash.
Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue
