U.S. Alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn crashed violently early in the women’s downhill race at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, Feb. 8, just nine days after completely rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-Games training crash, ending her bid for another Olympic medal in what may be the final race of her storied career.

Vonn, 41, clipped a gate marker near the top of the iconic Olimpia delle Tofane course, lost control, twisted sideways in the air and tumbled hard onto the snow. She screamed in pain as she came to rest, prompting an immediate course hold. Medical staff attended to her for over 10 minutes before she was loaded onto a stretcher and airlifted off the mountain by helicopter — the second such evacuation in less than two weeks.

The incident occurred just 13 to 17 seconds into her run, before the first timing split. Vonn was wearing a knee brace on her injured left leg but had completed two solid training runs on the course earlier in the week, showing remarkable resilience. She finished 11th in one practice session despite the severe injury.

The crash came after Vonn stunned the skiing world by announcing on Feb. 3 that she would compete despite a full ACL tear, bone bruising and meniscal damage sustained Jan. 30 during the final World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. That race was canceled after poor visibility and multiple crashes, including Vonn’s, where she pinwheeled off course and into safety nets, requiring immediate airlift.

In a social media post and press conference, Vonn described the injury as “100% gone” but insisted she remained capable after “extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today.” She emphasized her determination: “I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try. I’m not letting this slip through my fingers.”

Vonn’s comeback attempt drew massive attention as the biggest star of these Games. The five-time Olympian, who retired in 2019 after knee issues, returned specifically for Milano Cortina, aiming to add to her medal haul: bronze in 2006 downhill, gold in 2010 downhill and bronze in 2018 super-G.

Experts questioned the wisdom of racing on such a fresh injury, noting ACL tears typically sideline athletes for 6-12 months. Vonn pointed to precedent, including her 2019 World Championships bronze while managing knee problems. She underwent bracing, therapy and testing to confirm stability.

The Tofane course, known for its speed and technical demands, proved unforgiving. Vonn appeared to cut the line too tightly in the opening traverse, catching an edge or gate that spun her. She flipped multiple times before landing hard, twisting her already compromised knee further.

Teammates and rivals expressed shock and support. Breezy Johnson, leading American hopes, posted the fastest training time but the race outcome shifted focus to Vonn’s wellbeing. The event paused as spectators fell silent, many in tears watching giant screens replay the fall.

Vonn’s history of injuries — including multiple knee reconstructions — made her decision polarizing. Supporters hailed her courage; critics worried about long-term damage. She addressed doubters Saturday: “Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”

Post-crash, no immediate medical update emerged beyond the airlift to a local hospital for evaluation. Sources indicated possible aggravation of her knee, head impact concerns and additional trauma. Her status for remaining events — potentially super-G or combined — appeared unlikely, marking a tragic end to her Olympic return.

Vonn’s legacy remains unmatched: four overall World Cup titles, 82 wins (second all-time), Olympic medals and World Championship golds. She revolutionized women’s skiing, advocating for gender equity and mental health.

Fans flooded social media with messages of love and admiration. Many called her attempt inspirational, embodying perseverance. Others lamented the risk, but few doubted her grit.
As the Games continue, Vonn’s crash overshadowed early results. Johnson and others vied for medals, but attention stayed on the legend who defied odds — and paid a steep price.
Vonn has not commented publicly since the incident. Her team indicated updates would follow medical assessments.

The downhill gold went forward amid the hold, but Vonn’s story dominated headlines: a warrior’s final charge ending in heartbreak, yet cementing her as one of sport’s greatest competitors.