What was meant to be a bold return to Olympic competition quickly became a moment of concern during the women’s downhill final in Cortina. Just seconds after pushing out of the start gate, Lindsey Vonn lost control and fell, bringing her run to an abrupt end. The incident, shown live, immediately shifted attention away from podium hopes to the more pressing question of her well-being.
Vonn was transported by helicopter to Ca’ Foncello Hospital, where medical evaluations confirmed a fracture in her left leg. Doctors performed an orthopedic procedure to stabilize the injury, and officials explained that the crash was triggered when her right ski pole clipped a gate, causing her to lose balance at high speed. Emergency teams responded quickly, and she was placed under the care of a specialized medical unit to manage her recovery.
Her appearance at the Games had already been remarkable. Only days earlier, Vonn had suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup event, yet still chose to compete after limited training. Her goal was ambitious—to make history as the oldest alpine skier to earn an Olympic medal. While that milestone will remain out of reach this time, representatives from U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed her condition is stable and emphasized that recovery, though gradual, is expected.
Even in the aftermath of the crash, Vonn’s character stood out. Fellow competitor Breezy Johnson, who went on to win gold, shared that Vonn offered encouragement from the medical helicopter. The moment reflected the resilience and sportsmanship that have long defined her career. As her focus turns to healing, she is supported by experienced medical professionals, teammates, and fans worldwide—many of whom continue to draw inspiration from her determination both on and off the mountain.