American skier Lindsey Vonn crashes in the women’s downhill during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
American star Vonn had been trying to claim her fourth Olympic medal despite suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee about a week ago, but her race ended early in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The 2010 Olympic downhill champion hit the firm snow face first, after just 13 seconds of her descent. She then rolled down the slope with her skis still attached, which could likely cause further serious damage to her knee.
Her teammate, Breezy Johnson, won the race to claim gold on Sunday. Germany’s Emma Aicher, just 0.04 seconds slower, took the silver medal, and Italy’s home favourite Sofia Goggia had to settle for bronze.
Vonn retired in 2019 but returned to competition in November 2024 following surgery to partially replace her right knee to end persistent pain.
Vonn had finished on the podium in every previous World Cup downhill race this season, including two victories in St Moritz and Zauchensee, and claimed two more top-three finishes in the Super-G.
After the 2026 Winter Olympics accident, Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, said she was aware of all the risks and was simply pushing herself to the limit.
Kildow also reassured fans that Vonn was being treated by the best people possible.
