Lindsey Vonn Crashes in Olympic Downhill While Racing on Torn ACL, Airlifted From Course

Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable Olympic comeback took a heartbreaking turn on Sunday when the American ski legend crashed early in the women’s downhill while competing with a severely injured knee.

The 41-year-old, racing with a torn ACL in her left knee, lost control just seconds into her run after cutting the opening line too tight. Vonn was thrown into the air, spinning before landing hard on the snow. Her screams could be heard across the course as medical personnel rushed to her side.

After receiving treatment on the slope, Vonn was strapped to a gurney and airlifted by helicopter, casting serious doubt over the future of one of alpine skiing’s most celebrated careers.

Race Delayed as Vonn Receives Treatment

The downhill was paused for more than 20 minutes while doctors attended to Vonn. The scene unfolded in front of stunned spectators, including her father, Alan Kildow, who stood motionless as his daughter was treated just 13 seconds into her run.

Despite the somber moment, the race eventually resumed, with Breezy Johnson claiming gold. Johnson joined Vonn as the only American women to ever win Olympic downhill titles.

Reaction From the Skiing World

Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, called the incident tragic but reflective of the sport’s inherent danger.

“I can only say thank you for what she has done for our sport,” Eliasch said. “This race has been the talk of the Games and has put alpine skiing in the best possible light.”

Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, spoke emotionally during an interview on Peacock.

“She always gives 110 percent,” Kildow said. “There’s never anything less. It’s a very dangerous sport, and sometimes things happen.”

She confirmed that Vonn was undergoing further evaluation and that the family would meet her at the hospital.

A Comeback That Defied Expectations

Heading into the Olympics, Vonn was the feel-good story of the Games. After nearly six years away from elite competition, she returned last season despite being in her 40s and having already undergone a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee.

The four-time overall World Cup champion stunned the skiing world by immediately becoming competitive again. She arrived at the Olympics leading the World Cup downhill standings and was considered a gold medal favorite — even after suffering another crash in Switzerland nine days earlier that resulted in a torn ACL, bone bruise, and meniscus damage.

Still, few ever doubted her willingness to race.

Cortina: A Place of Triumph and Pain

The crash occurred on the Olympia delle Tofane, a course deeply tied to Vonn’s legacy. Often referred to as the “Queen of Cortina,” she owns a record 12 World Cup victories on the iconic slope.

Vonn had tested her injured knee during downhill training runs earlier in the week and expressed optimism before the race.

“This would be the best comeback I’ve done so far,” she said beforehand. “Definitely the most dramatic.”

Legacy Beyond the Crash

Following the medal ceremony, fellow competitors reflected on Vonn’s impact on the sport. Norwegian skier Kajsa Vickhoff Lie called her an inspiration to generations of athletes.

“She has been my idol since I started watching ski racing,” Lie said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she suddenly shows up on a start gate again — but that crash didn’t look good.”

Whether or not this marks the final chapter of Lindsey Vonn’s competitive career, her legacy remains unquestioned: decades of dominance, resilience through injury, and an unmatched willingness to push the limits of what’s possible in alpine skiing.

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