Lindsey Vonn Breaks Leg in Downhill Crash at 2026 Winter Olympics

American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a serious injury during the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, breaking her left leg after a violent crash on the Cortina slopes. The incident stunned fans and athletes alike as Vonn was airlifted off the course and taken to the hospital for surgery.

US Ski and Snowboard confirmed that Lindsey Vonn is in stable condition following an orthopedic operation to stabilize the fracture. She was initially transported to a clinic in Cortina before being transferred to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso, where doctors performed the procedure.

What Went Wrong on the Course

The crash occurred early in Lindsey Vonn’s run when her right arm caught the fourth gate, throwing her off balance at high speed. Despite her attempts to regain control, her skis separated, and her weight shifted backward, sending her tumbling headfirst into the snow.

The three-time Olympic medalist remained down on the course for several minutes as medical teams rushed to her aid. The atmosphere turned somber as spectators watched in silence, broken only by gasps as Vonn cried out in pain. After approximately 15 minutes, she was loaded onto a helicopter and flown from the mountain.

“This sport’s brutal,” said Anouk Patty, chief of sport for US Ski and Snowboard. “People need to remember these athletes are throwing themselves down a mountain at incredible speeds.”

Immediate Reaction and Support

Lindsey Vonn was conscious and moving her arms, head, and neck following the crash, offering some reassurance amid the shock. As the helicopter lifted off, fans erupted into applause in a show of support.

Her sister, Karin Kildow, who was present at the course, described the moment as terrifying. She said the sight of stretchers signaled the severity of the situation but praised Vonn’s courage for “putting it all out there” in what was expected to be her final Olympic appearance.

The injury comes just days after Lindsey Vonn suffered a fully ruptured left ACL during a World Cup downhill race in late January. That crash also caused meniscus damage and bone bruising, forcing her into intense rehabilitation in the lead-up to the Games.

At 41, Vonn was competing in her fifth and final Winter Olympics. She had been skiing with a partial replacement in her right knee but insisted she felt strong enough to race. Prior to the crash, she had posted one of the fastest training times, underlining her determination to compete at the highest level despite the risks.

 

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A Legendary Career in the Spotlight

Lindsey Vonn is one of the most decorated alpine skiers in US history, with three Olympic medals—one gold and two bronze—across a career spanning more than two decades. While the latest injury casts uncertainty over her immediate future, her impact on the sport remains unquestioned.

As the Olympic Games continue, Vonn’s crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of elite alpine skiing and the extraordinary bravery required to compete at its highest level.