Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Hopes in Question After Crash in Final Downhill Before Milano Cortina Games
Alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn suffered a frightening crash during the final World Cup downhill race before the 2026 Winter Olympics, raising uncertainty about her participation in the Games just days away. The 41-year-old American was airlifted from the course in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, after losing control and hitting the safety netting on a challenging course plagued by difficult conditions.
The accident occurred as Vonn, who came out of retirement to chase a storybook return to Olympic competition was completing what was supposed to be her final competitive downhill before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which open in a week. Photos and video from the scene showed Vonn limping and clutching her left knee after the fall, prompting medical staff to airlift her for further evaluation.
Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath
Vonn was racing near the top of the start order when she lost her balance shortly after a jump, skidding into the safety netting as visibility deteriorated due to falling snow. She initially managed to stand and even ski slowly toward the finish area while visibly favoring her left knee. However, the severity of the impact and ongoing pain led race officials and medical teams to halt her progress and prepare her for air evacuation.
The race itself was ultimately cancelled after multiple competitors including Vonn and others crashed in challenging visibility and course conditions. The dangerous weather and poor sightlines had already caused at least two other serious accidents during the event.
A Comeback Story in Peril
Vonn stunned the skiing world with her comeback after retiring in 2019, returning to World Cup competition and posting multiple podium finishes this season. She had not only returned to form but was also among the favorites to contend in the Olympic downhill and other alpine events. A partial titanium knee replacement less than two years ago had helped her regain competitive fitness, and she had been the circuit’s leading downhiller heading into the Olympics.
Her planned Olympic program included the women’s downhill event on Feb. 8, along with the super-G and the team combined races. With the crash happening so close to the start of the Olympics, team officials are cautious and awaiting full medical assessment before determining whether Vonn will still be able to compete.
Reaction and What’s Next
The crash has sent shockwaves through the skiing community. Vonn is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, known for her fearlessness and resilience having overcome multiple significant injuries throughout her storied career, including serious knee ligament tears that previously sidelined her from the Olympics.
As the ski world waits for updates on her condition, questions remain about the impact of race conditions at Crans-Montana and how they may have contributed to the series of crashes, including Vonn’s.
With just days to go before the Milano Cortina Games begin, Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic fate hangs in the balance, and millions of fans around the world will be hoping for positive news on her recovery and fitness to compete.
Source: The Guardian
Image credit Wikimedia Commons
