Lindsey VonnThe Olympic Games’ heroic attempt at immortality ended in devastating agony.
Vonn, 41, crashed during her women’s downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 8, which arrived just nine days after her he completely tore his ACL.
The accident happened 13 seconds after the race of the American skier. Vonn could be heard screaming in agony as she was treated by medical staff at the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Eventually, Vonn was airlifted off the course by a helicopter, a scene similar to the one that ensued. on January 30 when he tore his ACL during a World Cup race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
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“Lindsey Vonn suffered an injury but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian doctors.” said the US Ski and Snowboard Team a statement on sunday
In a photo captured by Associated Press photographer Jacquelyn MartinVonn’s right ski pole can be seen clipping a gate, leading to the crash.
A giant screen shows American Lindsey Vonn being treated after a crash in the women’s downhill during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 8, 2026.
Tiziana FABI / AFPThe day before the event, Vonn defended competing despite her injury in response to the sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer.
“Lol thanks doc,” Vonn published through X on Saturday February 7. “My ACL was fully functional until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% torn. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.”
Vonn screamed too USA Today‘s Greg Graber on Saturday, who wrote a column questioning why Vonn was competing with a torn ACL.
“Sorry Greg, but this is a very strange op-ed,” Vonn wrote via X. “Is pain and suffering the point? Am I looking for meaning? Why am I risking ‘my age?’ This age stuff is getting really old.”
Lindsey Vonn has the full support of teammate Breezy Johnson at the 2026 Olympics, despite the possibility of an ACL injury. “There will be six Americans running the downhill training runs and if Lindsey can’t compete … or doesn’t feel competitive enough, others can take her place,” Johnson, 30, wrote via Threads on (…)
She continued: “My life doesn’t revolve around ski racing. I’m a woman who loves to ski. I don’t have an identity problem, I know exactly who I am. I was retired for 6 years and I have an amazing life. I don’t need to ski, but I love to ski. I came here for one final Olympics and I’m going to do my best. I don’t know the story, maybe it’s better not to make assumptions.”
Vonn revealed she had completely torn her ACL on Tuesday, February 3, but is committed to pushing through her Olympic return, which comes after she announced her return to the sport in November 2024.
“Well… I completely tore my ACL last Friday,” Vonn shared via Instagram. “I also suffered a bone bruise (which is a common injury when you tear your ACL), as well as meniscal tears, but it’s not clear how much of that was pre-existing and what was new from the accident. Obviously, this was incredibly difficult news to receive a week before the Olympics. I’m very grateful to everyone who gave me time and space to process what happened and find a way to move forward.”
She continued, “After extensive consultations with doctors, intensive therapy, physical tests and skiing today, I have decided that I am able to compete in the Olympic downhill on Sunday. Of course, I will still have to do a training run, as I need to run on Sunday, but … I am confident in my body’s ability to perform. Despite my injuries, my knee is stable, I am also firing and I do not have to react muscularly. Obviously, I will continue to assess with my medical team on a daily basis to make sure we are making smart decisions, but I have every intention of competing on Sunday.”