Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to the hospital after crashing during the World Cup downhill competition one week before the 2026 Winter Games — but insists her “Olympic dream is not over.”
She injured her left knee after landing a jump, losing control and hitting a safety net in the Crans-Montana race Friday.
The athlete, 41, stayed down before being checked out by medical staff and skiing slowly down the rest of the mountain.
She limped and held onto her knee, repeatedly stopping to check on it, before embracing teammate Jacqueline Wiles at the bottom of the mountain.
Vonn was assessed in a medical tent prior to being taken from the Swiss Alps by helicopter and “is being evaluated,” according to the US Ski & Snowboard team.
“I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams,” the Olympian subsequently confirmed via Instagram. “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.”
Claiming her “Olympic dream is not over,” Vonn added, “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.”
She concluded, “Sending my best to @marte.monsen who also had a major crash and injury today. 🙏🏻❤️🩹 Love you guys.”
Vonn, notably, suffered multiple injuries prior to her 2019 retirement, including two ACL tears, an MCL tear, shinbone fractures and nine knee surgeries.
She got a titanium knee replacement prior to announcing her return to the sport in November 2024.
“The thought of ski racing again, something I loved to do so much, but without pain, was really exciting,” she told People earlier this month. “I didn’t have any pain at all; my knee didn’t swell. I felt like I could do anything.”
Vonn, if she does compete in Italy next week, is set to become the oldest woman competing in the Alpine races in Olympic history.
She celebrated this in an October 2025 Time magazine cover story, gushing, “I’ve already done more than anyone ever expected. I’ve already done the impossible.”
Vonn, however, noted, “I don’t know how satisfied I would be if I walked away with no medal. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Vonn’s A-list followers sent their love via Instagram after Friday’s injury, from Olivia Munn to Rebel Wilson.
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