Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn suffered a major scare after crashing during a World Cup downhill race in Switzerland, raising concerns over her preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The incident occurred at Crans-Montana, the final World Cup stop before the Winter Games, when the 41-year-old lost control after landing a jump and slid into the safety netting.
Vonn was the third skier to crash during the race, prompting officials to eventually halt the event following multiple incidents.
Although she managed to get up and carefully ski across the finish line, she was clearly favoring her left knee and was later airlifted from the course for further evaluation.
What went wrong at Crans-Montana
The downhill event took a dramatic turn when Lindsey Vonn misjudged her landing and veered off course at high speed. Medical personnel immediately attended to her on-site before transporting her by helicopter.
The severity of the crash sparked immediate concern, especially given the timing just weeks before the Winter Olympics.
This race marked a crucial checkpoint in Vonn’s comeback journey, making the injury setback particularly difficult as she eyes another Olympic medal.
Lindsey Vonn breaks silence with emotional message
Following the crash, Vonn addressed fans directly through Instagram, offering clarity on her condition and mindset.
“I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee,” Vonn said. “I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams. 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.”
Despite the uncertainty, the skiing icon remained defiant and hopeful.
“My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it. Thank you to all the medical staff who helped me today. I am grateful for all the incredible help I received. Sending my best to Marte, who also had a major crash and injury today. It’s not over until it’s over.”
Road ahead remains uncertain
While the full extent of Lindsey Vonn’s knee injury is still being assessed, her determination signals that retirement is not yet on her mind.
As medical evaluations continue, the skiing world awaits updates on whether one of the sport’s greatest champions can once again defy the odds on the Olympic stage.