Lindsey Vonn Falls in Final Olympic Downhill Prep Race
In a troubling turn of events, skiing champion Lindsey Vonn experienced a significant fall during her final downhill preparation race for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This incident occurred on January 30, 2026, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Lindsey Vonn’s Crash Details
Vonn lost control while landing a jump in a World Cup race and became entangled in safety nets located on the upper section of the course. Medical personnel attended to her on-site, but she sustained a left knee injury. After the fall, she gingerly walked away, deliberately avoiding putting weight on her injured leg. Despite the setback, she reattached her skis briefly before evaluating her condition.
Previous Performance and Recent Victories
Before this incident, Vonn had a remarkable comeback. Last month, she celebrated a stunning victory in St. Moritz, marking her first win in nearly eight years following her return from retirement. She had previously undergone titanium knee implant surgery after a five-year hiatus from competitive skiing.
- Previous season highlights:
- Two World Cup victories
- Three additional podium finishes
Race Impact and Further Developments
Following Vonn’s fall, the race was canceled after three out of six competitors crashed. Among those involved were Nina Ortlieb from Austria and Marte Monsen of Norway. Ortlieb fell in the same section as Vonn, while Monsen crashed close to the finish line and required assistance off the course.
Weather Conditions and Visibility Issues
Competitors, including Romane Miradoli from France, reported that visibility was poor due to falling snow, making the course particularly treacherous. Miradoli commented on the dangerous conditions, stating that “you can’t see” and mentioned the bumpy nature of the course.
Upcoming Olympic Schedule
The crash occurred just one week before the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony. Vonn’s first Olympic event is scheduled for February 8, 2026, focusing on the women’s downhill race. She is also expected to participate in the super-G and a new team combined event.
- Upcoming events for Vonn:
- Women’s Downhill – February 8, 2026
- Super-G competition
- New team combined event
Vonn’s Track Record
Vonn holds a record of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina d’Ampezzo, illustrating her prowess in the sport. At 41 years old, she remains a key figure in women’s skiing, despite the challenges she has faced throughout her career.
This recent crash raises questions about her readiness for the upcoming Olympic events, but Vonn’s resilience and impressive track record suggest she may find a way to compete at the highest level once again.
