Lindsey Vonn Airlifted to Hospital After Crash at Pre-Olympic Race
Lindsey Vonn faced a significant setback during her final downhill race before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The American skier experienced a crash at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026, raising concerns about her Olympic aspirations.
Lindsey Vonn’s Crash at Crans-Montana
During the World Cup race, Vonn lost control while attempting to land a jump. She ended up tangled in safety nets on the upper portion of the course. The challenging weather conditions, including low visibility, contributed to the difficult circumstances of the race. The event was ultimately canceled after three of the first six racers crashed.
Emergency Response and Airlift
After the crash, Vonn received medical attention on-site. Limiting weight on her left knee, she gingerly walked to the finish area but needed assistance to steady herself. Following a tense moment, she was airlifted to a hospital, suspended from a helicopter across the Swiss Alps.
Implications for Olympic Participation
This incident occurred just one week before the opening ceremony of the winter Olympics, where Vonn was expected to shine. Her first event is scheduled for February 8, 2026, in the women’s downhill, with plans to compete in super-G and the new team combined event.
Track Record and Future Events
- Vonn has an impressive history, dominating the downhill circuit this season, including:
- Two victories
- Three other podium finishes
- Completed eight World Cup races, with seven top-three finishes
- Best result this season was fourth
- She holds the record for 12 World Cup wins in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Other Racers Involved
Two other skiers, Nina Ortlieb from Austria and Marte Monsen from Norway, also crashed before Vonn. Ortlieb’s crash occurred in the same area, while Monsen’s was near the finish line. The race had faced delays due to these incidents.
Feedback from Fellow Racers
Romane Miradoli of France, another competitor, commented on the challenging conditions. She noted that visibility was poor, with snow falling, which made the race especially dangerous.
Previous Injuries
This isn’t Vonn’s first experience with setbacks. She has faced numerous crashes throughout her career, including a significant injury during the 2013 World Championships. Following that incident, she required emergency airlift and missed the 2014 Sochi Olympics due to further injuries.
