What happened to Lindsey Vonn at the Winter Olympics? Inside the terrifying downhill crash

Lindsey Vonn’s audacious attempt to defy time, injury, and doubt at the Winter Olympics came to a devastating halt on Sunday after a violent crash during the women’s downhill in Cortina. Racing at 41 years old—on a surgically rebuilt right knee and a severely compromised left one—the American skiing legend was forced to abandon her Olympic bid after just seconds on the course, leaving fans, teammates, and the sporting world holding their breath.

Moments after exploding out of the starting gate, Vonn lost control high on the slope. She clipped a gate with her right shoulder, triggering a terrifying sequence that sent her cartwheeling down the mountain. She eventually came to rest on her back, skis tangled beneath her, as her cries echoed across the course while medical teams rushed in.

A heavy silence settled over the finish area as Vonn lay motionless. For several agonizing minutes, medics worked to stabilize her. She was eventually secured to a stretcher and airlifted off the mountain by rescue helicopter—her second such evacuation in just nine days—casting immediate doubt over whether the most decorated downhill skier in history had just taken her final competitive run.

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard team later confirmed that Vonn would undergo a full medical evaluation, but no immediate details were released about her condition.

“She’s going to be OK, but it’s not going to be quick,” said Anouk Patty, chief of sport for U.S. Ski and Snowboard. “This is a brutal sport. These athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain at incredible speeds, and sometimes the margin for error is almost nonexistent.”

A Bittersweet Day for Team USA

While shock rippled through the American camp, teammate Breezy Johnson delivered a historic performance, becoming only the second U.S. woman to win Olympic downhill gold—following in Vonn’s footsteps 16 years after her Vancouver triumph. Johnson edged out Germany’s Emma Aicher and Italy’s Sofia Goggia, but her victory was tempered by the sight of her idol being flown off the course.

“I know what it feels like to have your Olympic dreams taken away by this mountain,” Johnson said, recalling her own injury in Cortina that derailed her Beijing hopes in 2022. “The physical pain is one thing. The emotional pain—that’s something else entirely.”

In a moment that captured Vonn’s enduring spirit, Johnson revealed that Vonn’s coach told her the veteran star was cheering her on from the helicopter.

A Career Built on Risk, Courage, and Comebacks

Vonn’s crash was swiftly described as “tragic, but part of ski racing” by International Ski and Snowboard Federation president Johan Eliasch, who also praised her immense contribution to the sport.

“This race has become one of the defining moments of the Games,” Eliasch said. “And that’s because of what Lindsey Vonn has meant to alpine skiing.”

Family members, including Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, watched helplessly from the stands. Fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin posted a broken-heart emoji online, echoing the collective sorrow of fans worldwide. Celebrities in attendance, including Snoop Dogg, stood quietly as Vonn was finally removed from the course.

Her sister, Karin Kildow, later said Vonn had given everything once again. “She always goes all in—there’s no holding back. Sometimes, in a sport this dangerous, things just don’t go your way.”

The Comeback That Captivated the Olympics

Heading into the Games, Vonn had been the feel-good story of the Olympics. After nearly six years away from elite competition, she returned last season despite a partial titanium knee replacement and a long history of injuries. Against expectations, she quickly re-established herself as a contender, leading the World Cup downhill standings and entering the Olympics as a genuine medal threat.

Even a crash in Switzerland nine days earlier—one that left her with a ruptured ACL, bone bruising, and meniscus damage—failed to count her out. Vonn had built a career on racing through pain, famously competing in multiple Olympic events less than 48 hours after a hospitalizing fall in 2006.

Cortina, often called her kingdom, had always been kind to her. She holds 12 World Cup wins on the Olympia delle Tofane and was widely regarded as the queen of the course. She had tested her knee during training runs earlier in the week and spoke openly about the magnitude of the moment.

“This would be the most dramatic comeback of my career,” Vonn said before the race.

Instead, it ended in heartbreak—leaving fans to wonder whether they had just witnessed the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in alpine skiing history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened to Lindsey Vonn at the Winter Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during the women’s downhill race at the Winter Olympics in Cortina shortly after leaving the starting gate. She lost control, clipped a gate, and fell violently on the slope.

Was Lindsey Vonn seriously injured in the crash?
Her exact condition was not immediately confirmed. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard team said she would undergo a full medical evaluation following the crash.

Why was Lindsey Vonn airlifted by helicopter?
Due to the severity of the crash and the location on the mountain, Vonn was strapped to a gurney and evacuated by rescue helicopter for medical assessment and safety.

How old is Lindsey Vonn, and why was her comeback significant?
Vonn is 41 years old. Her return to Olympic competition was remarkable given her age, a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee, and serious injuries to her left knee.

Had Lindsey Vonn been injured before this crash?
Yes. Just nine days earlier, Vonn suffered another crash in Switzerland that resulted in a ruptured ACL, a bone bruise, and meniscus damage in her left knee.

Did Lindsey Vonn win any medals at these Olympics?
No. Her Olympic bid ended during the downhill race due to the crash.

Who won the women’s downhill race?
American skier Breezy Johnson won the gold medal, becoming only the second U.S. woman to win Olympic downhill gold after Vonn.

Is this the end of Lindsey Vonn’s skiing career?
It is not yet known. The crash has raised serious questions about her future, but no official retirement announcement has been made.

Why is Cortina significant to Lindsey Vonn?
Cortina is considered Vonn’s most successful venue. She holds a record 12 World Cup downhill wins on the Olympia delle Tofane course and is often referred to as the “Queen of Cortina.”

Why is Lindsey Vonn considered one of the greatest skiers of all time?
Vonn is a four-time overall World Cup champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most dominant downhill racers in alpine skiing history.