Lindsey Vonn Airlifted Following Crash in Olympic Downhill Finale

Lindsey Vonn experienced a devastating crash during the final World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just one week before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The crash occurred as snow began to fall heavily, which worsened the already challenging conditions on the course.

Lindsey Vonn’s Crash Details

The 41-year-old skiing icon lost control after landing a jump, skidding sideways into the safety netting. Her airbag deployed upon impact, and she remained on the ground for several moments while medical personnel provided assistance.

After a brief evaluation on-site, Vonn managed to stand and ski away, albeit gingerly. She frequently took weight off her left leg and paused multiple times to assess her knee. Upon reaching the finish area, she shared a comforting embrace with her teammate, Jacqueline Wiles, before heading to a medical tent.

Airlift to Medical Care

Vonn was subsequently airlifted by helicopter from the finish area. The helicopter transported her across the Swiss Alps, with her coach Aksel Lund Svindal confirming that she was experiencing pain and required further medical checks.

Race Cancellation and Conditions

• Following Vonn’s crash, officials canceled the rest of the downhill race.
• Three out of the first six competitors had fallen, highlighting the course’s dangerous conditions.
• Nina Ortlieb from Austria also crashed but managed to ski away, while Norway’s Marte Monsen was stretchered off with facial injuries.

Romane Miradoli of France, one of the few to finish, noted visibility issues: “You can’t see, and it’s bumpy everywhere.”

Upcoming Olympic Events

This incident comes just a week prior to the Milano Cortina Games, where Vonn is scheduled to compete in the women’s downhill, super-G, and a new team combined event. Vonn has historically excelled in Cortina d’Ampezzo, holding a record 12 World Cup victories at this venue.

As she leads the World Cup downhill standings this season with five podium finishes, the impact of any potential injury is a significant concern for the U.S. ski team and Olympic organizers. A spokesperson confirmed that Vonn was being thoroughly evaluated after her fall.

Career Resilience

Vonn’s career has been punctuated by resilience, having faced serious injuries in the past. She previously tore ligaments in her right knee in 2013 and was airlifted from that incident as well. Despite suffering multiple injuries throughout her career, which kept her from competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, she remains one of the most decorated skiers in history.

Vonn won Olympic downhill gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and is celebrated alongside teammate Mikaela Shiffrin as one of the most successful female racers ever. The recent event in Crans-Montana was intended to be the final competitive downhill before Olympic training commenced, further heightening the stakes for Vonn.

In conclusion, Lindsey Vonn’s crash serves as a reminder of the risks associated with professional skiing. Her recovery and performance in the upcoming Olympics will be closely monitored by fans and experts alike.