What began as a daring Olympic comeback quickly turned into a tense moment that left fans holding their breath. During the women’s downhill final in Cortina, Lindsey Vonn’s run ended abruptly when she crashed just seconds after leaving the start gate. The dramatic fall, broadcast live, shifted focus from medals to one question: how serious was the injury to the American skiing legend?
Vonn was airlifted to Ca’ Foncello Hospital, where doctors confirmed a fractured left leg and performed an orthopedic procedure to stabilize it. The accident occurred when her right ski pole clipped a gate, causing her to tumble at high speed. Medical staff responded immediately, and she is being treated by a multidisciplinary team.
Her presence at the Games had already been extraordinary. Just nine days earlier, she had torn her ACL during a World Cup event but still competed after completing two training runs. Vonn aimed to become the oldest alpine skier, male or female, to win an Olympic medal. While that goal was cut short, Team USA officials confirmed her condition is stable. Anouk Patty, chief of sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, assured fans that Vonn “will be OK,” noting recovery will take time.
Even after the crash, Vonn’s spirit shone through. Teammate Breezy Johnson, who won gold, revealed Vonn cheered for her from the medical helicopter. This gesture highlighted the resilience and determination that have defined her career. While her focus now shifts to rehabilitation, she remains in capable hands, supported by medical staff, teammates, and a global community inspired by her courage on and off the mountain.