Vonn, who was competing despite having ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL just days earlier, lost control of her descent roughly 13 seconds into the race at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo. According to reports, she clipped a gate while airborne, spun violently and was thrown off course, prompting gasps from spectators. The crowd fell into a stunned silence as medical teams rushed to her aid.
Medical personnel tended to Vonn on the slope for more than 15 minutes before she was placed on a stretcher and airlifted by helicopter to the Codivilla Putti Hospital for further evaluation. The severity of her injuries is not yet fully known, but the crash could mark the end of her storied Olympic career.
Vonn’s bid at these Games had been one of the most compelling storylines of the Olympics. The 2010 Olympic downhill champion — and one of the most successful alpine skiers in history — had announced this would be her final Games, returning from retirement and overcoming knee surgery and a recent ACL injury to compete at the highest level.
The dramatic race saw her teammate Breezy Johnson take the early lead, with Italy’s Emma Aicher close behind, as the field battled for medals. Despite the heartbreaking ending for Vonn, fans in Cortina and around the world applauded her courage and resilience, recognising a career defined by remarkable achievements and relentless determination.
