Lindsey Vonn Airlifted to Hospital Following Olympic Downhill Crash
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic journey came to a tragic conclusion during the downhill race at the Tofane run in Cortina d’Ampezzo. A highly decorated skier, Vonn returned from a five-year retirement, aiming to set a record as the oldest athlete to win an Olympic medal in the downhill discipline.
Lindsey Vonn Airlifted to Hospital Following Crash
The incident occurred just 12 seconds into the race, when Vonn’s legs gave way as she navigated a bump. The crash left the crowd in stunned silence, realizing the gravity of the situation. Vonn’s condition was later reported as stable, as she was transported via air ambulance for medical attention.
Details of the Race and Aftermath
- Event: Olympic downhill race
- Date: February 7, 2022
- Location: Tofane run, Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Vonn’s crash: 12 seconds into the race
- Teammate performance: Breezy Johnson won gold with a time of 1:36.10
- Accident of Cande Moreno: Another crash requiring air ambulance
In the wake of Vonn’s crash, Breezy Johnson, who was leading at the time, expressed her concern. Johnson had suffered a serious accident in the same location before, which added to the tension of the moment. The crowd’s earlier excitement transformed into a somber atmosphere, underscoring the dangers inherent in skiing.
Vonn’s Remarkable Career
Lindsey Vonn’s illustrious career includes numerous records and accolades. She is notably the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the downhill and has earned the Crystal Globe more times than any other skier in history. Additionally, at 33, she became the oldest woman to win an Olympic medal in this event, securing bronze in Pyeongchang 2018.
Despite enduring multiple injuries over her career, Vonn returned to competitive skiing after a knee replacement surgery. However, she faced another setback recently with a knee injury while racing in Switzerland.
The Impact of Vonn’s Crash
Vonn’s accident serves as a reminder of the perilous nature of ski racing. “It’s tragic, but it’s ski racing,” stated Johan Eliasch, chair of the International Ski Federation. The abrupt end to Vonn’s race elicited sympathy from fellow competitors and fans alike, with many believing she deserved a more honorable conclusion to her Olympic story.
Her legacy in skiing will remain significant, having pushed boundaries and inspired generations of athletes. Despite the painful end to her journey, Vonn’s contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
