Lindsey
Vonn was airlifted after a violent crash early in the Olympic women’s downhill
at Cortina, casting doubt on her long-awaited comeback.
Lindsey Vonn crash Milan Cortina Olympics
Cortina
d’Ampezzo, Italy.—The women’s Olympic downhill at the Milan Cortina
Winter Games was halted early Sunday after Lindsey Vonn crashed heavily
moments after leaving the start gate. The decorated American skier was tended
to by medical staff on the slope before being airlifted from the course,
prompting a stunned silence among spectators. The incident occurred under
clear, sunny conditions on one of alpine skiing’s most demanding tracks. It
cast immediate uncertainty over the most closely watched comeback of these
Games.
A Sudden
Crash Minutes Into the Run
Vonn’s
race ended almost as soon as it began. Shortly after pushing out of the start
gate, she lost control after flying off a roll on the downhill course and
failed to land cleanly, according to the live broadcast. The impact left her
down on the snow for several minutes, and race officials stopped the competition
while medical personnel reached her.
Organizers
deployed a mountain rescue helicopter, which later lifted Vonn from the course
as fellow racers and fans applauded in support. The International Olympic
broadcast did not immediately provide medical specifics, and no official
diagnosis was announced during the race stoppage. As of publication, CRNTimes.com
could not independently verify the extent of Vonn’s injuries, and officials
indicated she was undergoing evaluation.
Medical
Response and Race Delay
The race
remained on hold for roughly 20 minutes while medics stabilized Vonn and
prepared the airlift. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team said she was
being evaluated by medical staff, without offering further detail.
Broadcast cameras showed Vonn’s family in the stands, including her father, Alan Kildow, and several siblings. Speaking on NBC, Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow described the shock of watching the crash unfold, noting the inherent danger of downhill racing and expressing hope that her sister would be okay. Family members said they planned to meet Vonn at the hospital where she was being transported.
The
Weight of a Comeback Attempt
The crash
came after weeks of anticipation surrounding Vonn’s return to Olympic
competition. The 41-year-old had completed two training runs in the days
leading up to the race, a remarkable step given her long history of injuries
and surgeries. Most notably, she had previously suffered a complete rupture of
the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee—one of several serious knee
injuries over her career.
Downhill
skiing demands maximum commitment at high speed, and Vonn’s decision to race
again at the Olympic level was widely viewed as a testament to her
competitiveness. Supporters framed the comeback as a pursuit of unfinished
business, while critics questioned the risks involved. Sunday’s crash
underscored just how narrow the margin for error can be on a course like
Cortina’s.
Cortina’s
Downhill: Fast, Technical, Unforgiving
The
downhill course at Cortina d'Ampezzo is known for steep pitches,
compressions, and jumps that punish even small mistakes. Athletes routinely
exceed highway speeds, relying on split-second timing and precise technique.
Conditions
on race day were described as clear and sunny, factors that generally favor
speed but can also increase risk if athletes carry more momentum over terrain
features. While officials did not suggest course issues contributed to the
crash, the incident renewed debate about safety in women’s downhill
racing—especially for athletes returning from major injuries.
A Career
Defined by Risk and Resilience
Vonn
entered the Milan Cortina Games as one of the most accomplished alpine skiers
in history, with multiple Olympic medals and World Cup titles across
disciplines. Her career has also been marked by repeated setbacks, including
knee injuries, fractures, and long rehabilitation periods.
That
history shaped the narrative of her return. For fans, the sight of Vonn back in
a start gate symbolized resilience and longevity in a sport that rarely rewards
either. For Vonn herself, the decision to race again appeared rooted in a
willingness to “dare greatly,” as her family described—accepting risk in
pursuit of one more Olympic moment.
Race
Resumes as Podium Takes Shape
After
Vonn was evacuated, officials restarted the race. American skier Breezy
Johnson, the defending world champion in downhill, emerged as the winner.
Johnson posted a time of 1:36.10, setting the benchmark as the sixth racer down
the course and ultimately claiming gold.
The
remainder of the field completed the event without major incident. Still, the
mood remained subdued, with Vonn’s crash lingering over the finish area.
Several competitors acknowledged the emotional impact of seeing a fellow
racer—and a sport icon—taken away by helicopter.
What Is
Known, and What Remains Unclear
At this
stage, confirmed facts are limited: Vonn crashed early in her run, required
on-course medical attention, and was airlifted for further evaluation. Unconfirmed
details, including the specific nature and severity of her injuries, had
not been released during the broadcast window.
Possible
scenarios range from precautionary transport with minor injuries to more
serious trauma requiring extended recovery. Until medical updates are issued by
the U.S. team or Olympic officials, any assessment remains speculative.
CRNTimes.com will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Broader
Implications for the Sport
Vonn’s
crash reignited conversations about age, injury history, and risk tolerance in
elite alpine skiing. While there is no indication that her age directly
contributed, the incident highlights the cumulative toll of a long career in a
high-impact discipline.
For
younger athletes, Vonn’s presence at these Games was both inspirational and
cautionary. Her willingness to return demonstrated that experience can extend
competitive windows—but Sunday’s events also showed that downhill racing leaves
little room for sentimentality.
By Noah Parker | CRNTimes.com | Cortina d’Ampezzo