Lindsey Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion, suffered a crash during the final downhill race before the Milano Cortina Olympics on Friday, January 30, 2026, injuring her left knee. The incident occurred in Crans Montana, Switzerland, just one week before the opening of the Winter Games.
Lindsey Vonn’s Crash and Immediate Response
Vonn fell while skiing at high speed after becoming off-balance coming out of a jump. She was able to get to her feet and ski down the remainder of the course, though visibly in pain and shaking her head as she encountered U.S. teammate Jackie Wiles. Following the run, Vonn was airlifted – a standard practice at mountain venues – to a hospital for evaluation.
Hours after the crash, Vonn posted a statement on social media, expressing her determination to continue pursuing her Olympic dream. She stated she was consulting with doctors and would undergo further tests.
What Vonn Said After the Crash
In her social media statement, Vonn acknowledged the difficult timing of the injury, coming just days before the Olympics. However, she affirmed her resilience, writing, “This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics … but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback.” She concluded with a message of hope: “My Olympic dream is not over. It’s not over until it’s over.”
Aksel Lund Svindal, a two-time Olympic champion and member of Vonn’s coaching team, told Reuters that initial checks by the team were inconclusive, prompting the decision to seek further evaluation at the hospital. He noted Vonn was experiencing pain.
Looking Ahead
The women’s downhill race at the Milano Cortina Olympics is scheduled for two days after the opening ceremony. Whether Vonn will be able to compete remains uncertain, pending the results of medical tests. It is possible she will attempt to race, but her ability to do so will depend on the severity of the injury and her recovery progress. Alternatively, she may be forced to withdraw from the Games. A final decision is expected in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn crashed during a downhill race in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026, injuring her left knee. She was airlifted to a hospital for evaluation.
What did Lindsey Vonn say about her Olympic chances?
Lindsey Vonn stated on social media that her “Olympic dream is not over” and that she is consulting with doctors and will undergo further tests. She remains hopeful about competing.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred on the downhill course in Crans Montana, Switzerland, during the final race before the Milano Cortina Olympics.
What impact will this injury have on Vonn’s Olympic participation, and will she be able to compete at the highest level despite the setback?
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