Lindsey Vonn crashes out; Breezy Johnson wins downhill at Winter Olympics | Winter Olympics News
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Bid Ends in Heartbreak After Crash
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn’s dream of Olympic glory came to a sudden and painful halt on Sunday as she crashed during the women’s downhill event at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games. The incident occurred shortly after she began her descent, leading to a distressing fall that raised concerns about her previous knee injury.
Vonn, 41, had been striving for her fourth Olympic medal despite recently suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee. Following her crash, she was attended to by medical personnel on the Olimpia delle Tofane piste, where she had celebrated past victories.
In a dramatic turn of events, Vonn hit the firm snow face-first just 13 seconds into her run, subsequently tumbling down the slope with her skis still attached. Her situation prompted an immediate medical response, and she was later transported by helicopter for evaluation.
While Vonn’s hopes for Olympic success were dashed, her U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson secured the gold medal in the race, achieving a notable victory just one year after winning gold at the world championships in Saalbach, Austria. Germany’s Emma Aicher took home the silver, finishing only 0.04 seconds slower, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia, a local favorite, captured the bronze.
Vonn, a two-time Olympic medalist in downhill and one of the most recognized figures in alpine skiing, expressed her determination to compete against younger athletes, including Aicher. Prior to the Games, she had intended to participate in both the team combined event and the super-G in the coming days. However, the severity of her injury raises doubts about her ability to continue.
Retiring in 2019, Vonn made a comeback to the sport in November 2024 after undergoing surgery to address chronic pain in her right knee. Her performances in the current season included multiple podium finishes and victories, showcasing her skills amidst fierce competition.
As she navigates this latest setback, the future of Vonn’s skiing career remains uncertain. Fans, who have long admired her tenacity and accomplishments, stood in support as she was transported from the scene, applauding her remarkable contributions to the sport.
