Lindsey Vonn suffers crash at Olympics, is flown away by helicopter

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn faced a terrifying crash during the women’s downhill race at the Winter Olympics in Cortina on Sunday. The 41-year-old U.S. ski legend had to be airlifted by a helicopter following the incident, which not only dashed her hopes of a comeback but also raised concerns about the future of her storied career.

Vonn lost control on the Olympic slope after cutting the line of the opening traverse too tight. As a result, she was seen spinning in the air and heard screaming that she couldn’t remove her skis. Medical personnel quickly surrounded her, and she was swiftly strapped to a gurney and flown away in a helicopter as the stunned crowd looked on in silence before giving her a standing ovation as the helicopter took off.

Fortunately, a mandatory safety airbag inflated under Vonn’s racing suit during the crash, potentially softening her fall. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team later reassured the public that Vonn was in stable condition and under the care of a team of American and Italian physicians.

Just nine days prior to the Winter Olympics, Vonn had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during her final World Cup downhill race in Switzerland. Despite the setback, she was determined to compete in the Olympics, making her crash even more heartbreaking.

Following Vonn’s accident, the women’s downhill race resumed, with her U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson emerging as the winner. Johnson, the reigning world champion, expressed hope that Vonn’s injuries were not as severe as they appeared. She also mentioned that Vonn’s coach had informed her that Vonn was cheering for her from the helicopter.

Vonn’s return from retirement had been a highly anticipated storyline for the U.S. Olympic team. The skiing legend had initially retired in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries but announced her comeback in 2024 after undergoing a partial knee replacement to prolong her career. With 84 World Cup victories, Vonn ranks second all-time, behind only fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin’s record of 108 wins.

Despite the setback at the Winter Olympics, Vonn’s legacy in the world of skiing remains unparalleled, and her resilience and determination continue to inspire athletes around the globe.