Lindsey Vonn Crashes in Olympic Race, Stable Condition

Ski star Lindsey Vonn had a bad crash during the Olympic downhill race. She was taken to the hospital but is doing okay. Her teammate won a gold medal.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

A Promising Return Ends Abruptly

Lindsey Vonn, a celebrated figure in alpine skiing, experienced a severe crash during the women's downhill final at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident occurred just seconds into her run, resulting in Vonn being airlifted from the course. Despite the harrowing nature of the fall, official statements confirm she is in stable condition. This event marks a difficult conclusion to Vonn's highly anticipated Olympic campaign, especially given her recent history of injuries and her determined comeback. The race itself proceeded after a delay, with teammate Breezy Johnson securing a gold medal for Team USA.

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Background and Pre-Race Circumstances

Vonn, aged 41, was competing in her final Olympic downhill event at the Milano Cortina Games. Her participation was noteworthy as it came only nine days after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during a previous race. This latest injury followed a period of significant physical challenges, including a partial knee replacement surgery on her right knee. Despite these setbacks, Vonn had recently demonstrated strong form, achieving podium finishes in all five World Cup races she entered during the season, including two victories, and becoming the oldest winner on the World Cup circuit. She had previously expressed enthusiasm for the Cortina course, considering it a favorite.

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The Crash and Immediate Aftermath

Reports indicate that Vonn lost control within the first 13 seconds of her run. Evidence suggests she may have clipped a course marker or gate on a right-hand turn. Following the impact, she was seen falling multiple times through the air before landing on the snow. Medical personnel quickly attended to her, placing her on a stretcher and airlifting her from the mountain. Eyewitness accounts and broadcast footage show Vonn remained on the ground and could be heard in distress. Her teammates, including Breezy Johnson, reacted with visible concern.

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Injury Details and Condition

Team USA has issued statements confirming Lindsey Vonn is in "stable condition" and under the care of medical professionals. While specific details of her injuries beyond the already known ruptured ACL are still being evaluated, the incident has understandably raised concerns given her medical history. Her sister, Karin Kildow, was reportedly en route to meet her at the hospital. The event prompted swift reactions from fellow athletes and the broader sporting community, including messages of support from teammates like Mikaela Shiffrin.

Read More: Lindsey Vonn Hurt in Ski Race Crash

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Olympic Context and Team Performance

The women's downhill final was delayed by approximately 30 minutes following Vonn's crash. The race eventually resumed, with American skier Breezy Johnson winning the gold medal. This victory marked Team USA's first gold of the Games. Johnson herself has a history of significant injuries, adding a layer of shared experience and understanding with her teammate. The competition also saw other national successes, with Norway performing strongly in speed skating events on the same day.

Expert and Team Perspectives

Prior to the event, Vonn's coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, had expressed confidence in her ability to perform. He noted that Vonn had consistently given her maximum effort. Statements from Team USA and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team have emphasized Vonn's bravery and commitment, with one team representative stating she "dared greatly and she put it all out there." The coach's prior assessment indicated Vonn had the capability to achieve something remarkable.

Conclusion and Implications

The crash effectively ends Lindsey Vonn's Olympic campaign and likely her distinguished career on the Olympic stage. Despite her courageous attempt to compete on a recently injured knee, the high-speed nature of downhill skiing presented an insurmountable challenge. The focus now shifts to her recovery and well-being. Her presence in the Olympics at 41, after a significant knee replacement and a recent ACL tear, underscores a remarkable dedication to the sport. The event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in elite alpine skiing, even for seasoned athletes.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during the Olympic downhill ski race. She was airlifted to the hospital.
Q: How is Lindsey Vonn doing now?
She is in stable condition and is being cared for by doctors.
Q: Did anyone else win?
Yes, her teammate Breezy Johnson won the gold medal for Team USA in the same race.