In a devastating turn of events during the Women’s Downhill at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn’s improbable comeback to elite competition appeared set for abrupt termination. Just 13 seconds into her final run, the American skier experienced a catastrophic crash while racing in a protective knee brace. The fall resulted in a severe head injury and snapped her left leg, necessitating surgery.
The spectators at Cortina d’Ampezzo, including Vonn’s family, watched silently as medical teams rushed to stabilize her condition. Within minutes, she was secured for evacuation by emergency helicopter, with the 41-year-old American skier being whisked away from the mountainside.
Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, expressed her immediate concern and focus: “That’s definitely the last thing we wanted to see. When that happens, you’re just immediately hoping she’s ok. The moment medical teams start putting out stretchers is not a good sign.”
Team USA speed coach Paul Kristofic noted his team’s ongoing evaluation efforts for Vonn at Cortina. “She’s with a medical team in the hospital and they’re evaluating her now,” he stated.
Vonn had entered as the 13th skier on a course she has praised as her favorite, one where she holds the distinction of having won twelve of her eighty-four World Cup victories. This comeback attempt was Vonn’s first since retiring due to injury five years prior, and it came just months after undergoing a robotically assisted partial knee replacement that rejuvenated what she described as her healthiest season in a decade.
Vonn’s pursuit of an Olympic medal had already defied expectations following her bold announcement for a return at the 2024 Games. Her consistent performance on the World Cup circuit, including two victories and five podium finishes, underscored her remarkable comeback journey. However, her sudden crash left many questioning whether her Olympic dream was too ambitious.
In an Olympics marred by early drama, Vonn’s absence from the赛场 highlighted how even in the face of near-impossible odds, individual athletes’ physical limitations can still dictate the outcome. The world now awaits further developments on Vonn’s condition and returns to the sport as she seeks to complete what would have been one of the most remarkable comebacks in Olympic history.