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Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable Olympic comeback came to a heartbreaking complete on Sunday, as the American ski legend suffered a broken leg in a crash just 13 seconds into the women’s downhill final at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. The crash dashed Vonn’s hopes for a medal and brought a premature close to her bid for glory.
Vonn was transported by helicopter to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Italy, following the high-speed incident in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Hospital officials confirmed she underwent orthopedic surgery in the afternoon to stabilize a fracture in her left leg.
A source told Reuters that Vonn is being monitored in the intensive care unit for privacy, but there is no threat to her life. U.S. Ski & Snowboard stated Vonn sustained an injury but is in stable condition.
Despite the devastating turn of events for Vonn, the women’s downhill race produced a modern champion. Breezy Johnson claimed the gold medal with a winning time of 1 minute 36.1 seconds, becoming only the second American woman to win the Olympic downhill title – Vonn having achieved the feat 16 years prior.
Johnson edged out Emma Aicher of Germany (1:36.14) and Italy’s Sofia Goggia (1:36.69) for the top spot on the podium. The result marks a bittersweet day for Team USA, celebrating a gold medal while witnessing a heartbreaking injury to a beloved teammate.
Cassidy Gray of Canada finished 26th in the event, while Val Grenier was disqualified.
American Lindsey Vonn suffered a crash during the women’s downhill at Milano Cortina 2026. The 41-year-old ruptured the ACL in her left knee a little over a week ago.
Vonn had family in attendance, including her father, Alan Kildow, who was visibly shaken after watching the crash unfold.
Speaking with American broadcaster Peacock, Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, said the family is focused on supporting Lindsey and will meet her at the hospital.
“We’re happy everyone’s cheering for her and appreciate all the support,” Kildow said.
After Lindsey Vonn was airlifted off the course following a crash in the women’s downhill race, NBC interviewed Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
“That definitely was the last thing we wanted to observe. She always goes 110 per cent, there’s never anything less, so I realize she put her whole heart into it and sometimes things happen. It’s a very dangerous sport.”
Vanderbeek, a Canadian Olympic skier and now analyst, was emotional when watching the American skier’s crash at Milano Cortina 2026.
Spectators, including rapper Snoop Dogg, watched in silence as Vonn was carefully removed from the course she has dominated for years, holding a record 12 World Cup wins in Cortina.
Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, called Vonn’s crash “tragic, but it’s ski racing.”
“I can only say thank you for what she has done for our sport,” he added, “since this race has been the talk of the games and it’s put our sport in the best possible light.”
Breezy Johnson of the United States claims gold in the women’s Olympic downhill with a time of 1:36.10.
Vonn’s return to competition after multiple injuries had captivated fans worldwide. The 30-year-old had undergone a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee and was seeking to add to her gold medal from the 2010 Vancouver Games. She entered the Olympics as the World Cup downhill leader, demonstrating her continued competitiveness.
Despite a torn ACL suffered just nine days prior in Switzerland, Vonn bravely attempted to compete, having completed two successful training runs.
Cassidy Gray of Invermere, B.C., is the top Canadian in the women’s Olympic downhill.
Vonn’s resilience and determination have made her an icon in the sport, and her courageous attempt to compete despite her injuries will be remembered as a testament to her unwavering spirit.
American skiing star Lindsey Vonn was airlifted following a crash 13 seconds into her downhill run. We’re joined by alpine skiing analyst Brian Stemmle to take a seem at what happened at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre.
