Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic dream ended in heartbreak Sunday, as the skiing superstar suffered a severe crash during the downhill competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The American’s screams of pain were audible on the television broadcast.
Cortina – Update February 9, 07:16 Uhr: Lindsey Vonn’s family expressed their distress following the accident. “It breaks my heart,” her father, Alan Kildow, told Sportschau. “She is such a warrior, such a strong fighter. She gave everything she had. Unfortunately, it wasn’t her day. It’s heartbreaking.” He added that he “couldn’t be prouder” of his daughter.
Vonn’s sister also spoke to NBC, saying, “That was definitely the last thing we wanted to see. It happened so quickly. So when that happens, you’re just immediately hoping she’s okay.”
Update February 8, 21:11 Uhr: According to Reuters, Vonn underwent surgery on her left leg and is currently in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Treviso. However, she is not in critical condition, and the hospital is prioritizing her privacy – a common practice for high-profile individuals. Italian officials want to ensure they are providing Vonn with the best possible care.
Update February 8, 19:10 Uhr: After the US speed team coach initially suspected a fracture in her lower leg, Italian news agencies Ansa and Adnkronos reported, citing the hospital in Treviso, that Vonn had undergone surgery on her left leg.
The American team has yet to confirm the reports or provide further details. Earlier, the US Ski Team posted on X that Vonn was injured but stable and being treated by American and Italian doctors.
Update February 8, 16:15 Uhr: A preliminary diagnosis following Lindsey Vonn’s crash in the Olympic downhill suggests a possible fracture in her lower leg, US speed coach Alex Hödlmoser told SRF. “We still have very little information. Apparently, there should be a fracture in the lower leg,” said the Austrian coach. “She is still being examined.” He added that he had not yet been able to speak with Vonn.
Vonn was transported from the course by helicopter to the Codivilla Olympic Hospital in Cortina, according to Bild. Three hours later, she was flown to Treviso. Her teammate Breezy Johnson won gold, but thoughts remain with Vonn. “You’re happy about the gold medal, but you’re also worried about Lindsey,” said the US speed coach.
Initial report February 8, 12:12 Uhr: Lindsey Vonn was aiming for one last run, but her final Olympic adventure ended dramatically. The ski icon crashed heavily during the Olympics downhill competition. The 41-year-old fell early in the course, tumbled, and appeared to sustain an injury. Screams of pain from Vonn were heard on the television broadcast. Medical personnel quickly rushed to her side and prepared to transport her off the course.
Olympic Drama Surrounds Lindsey Vonn – Silence Falls Over Finish Area
In the finish area, spectators – including Vonn’s father and sister – were shocked by the images, and an eerie silence descended. Vonn had reportedly suffered a torn ACL before the Winter Games, but still chose to compete. A diagnosis following her crash was not immediately available. The race was temporarily suspended – at the time of the incident, Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson was leading, followed by Germany’s Emma Aicher.
Slovenian Olympic champion Tina Maze criticized Vonn’s decision to start the race: “We all recognize about the difficulties Lindsey has experienced in recent days. In my opinion, she took too much risk by racing today. That’s how such a crash could happen – and if you’re not fit, the consequences could be even worse. But we all know Lindsey – that was her decision. She really wanted it. That’s terrible.”
Vonn’s arm caught on a gate during a jump, causing her to lose control in the air. She crashed heavily onto the piste, and her knees appeared to twist. Vonn was competing with a partial prosthesis in her right knee, and her left knee – the one with the torn ACL – was supported by a brace.
“She definitely took the risk up top. That was the fear I had, that she would try to push beyond the limit for this one race,” former pro Felix Neureuther said on ARD. “If you’ve been seriously injured and are skiing without an ACL, you also have to mentally surpass yourself to have a chance.” (ck)
