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Lindsey Vonn underwent surgery just hours after suffering a frightening crash during the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, on Sunday, Feb. 8.
The 41-year-old American skier was airlifted from the Olimpia delle Tofane course to a hospital in Treviso after falling roughly 12 seconds into her run. According to medical officials, Vonn later had orthopedic surgery to stabilize injuries to her left leg, the same leg in which she had torn her ACL only a week earlier.
U.S. Ski & Snowboarding confirmed in a statement that Vonn was in stable condition following the incident and receiving care from both American and Italian doctors.
Vonn's crash unfolded in an instant. After catching part of the course near the top of the run, she lost control, twisted, and tumbled onto the ice. She remained down for nearly 15 minutes as medics attended to her, while the crowd fell silent. As she was eventually evacuated by helicopter, spectators applauded as a show of support.
Despite the shock of the moment, Vonn was still cheering for her teammates. Breezy Johnson, who went on to win gold in the event, later revealed that Vonn had been encouraging her from the helicopter.
"My heart aches for her," Johnson said after the race. "This sport can hurt you so badly, and yet you keep coming back for more."
Vonn had come out of a five-year retirement to compete in her fifth Olympic Games, aiming to make history as the oldest downhill medalist. Her return followed years of injuries, surgeries, and even a knee replacement, a testament to the relentless drive that defined her career.
The mood on the mountain shifted after her fall, casting a shadow over what had been one of the most anticipated races of the Games. Still, the overwhelming sentiment among athletes and fans alike was admiration and sympathy for one of alpine skiing's greatest champions.
As officials await further updates on her recovery, one thing is clear: Vonn's impact on the sport, marked by courage and resilience, extends far beyond the finish line.
