Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic career ended abruptly after a violent crash during the women’s downhill race in Cortina d’Ampezzo, forcing her evacuation by helicopter and casting a shadow over one of the most anticipated events of the Games.
The 41-year-old American, competing in her fifth Olympics after returning from retirement, fell just seconds into her run on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, a slope closely tied to her career.
The incident stunned spectators and athletes alike, shifting the mood from celebration to concern as medical teams responded.
Vonn was approximately 12 to 13 seconds into her descent when she lost control after riding a bump and clipping a gate, sending her tumbling at high speed.
Television coverage captured her screaming as she came to rest on the snow, prompting an immediate hush across the finish area.
Medics quickly immobilized her before a rescue helicopter winched her from the mountain and transported her first to Cortina’s Codivilla Putti Hospital for assessment.
The International Olympic Committee said, “The medical team responded immediately and the intervention time was excellent.”
Spectators applauded as the helicopter departed, a gesture mirrored later when racing resumed.
Despite the shock, the competition continued, with American skier Breezy Johnson securing gold in a time of 1min 36.10sec, narrowly ahead of Germany’s Emma Aicher, while Italy’s Sofia Goggia placed third.
Johnson, who covered her eyes during Vonn’s evacuation, later said, “My heart goes out to her.”
The race also saw another serious incident when Andorra’s Cande Moreno crashed later on the course, requiring a second airlift.
Officials and commentators acknowledged the risks inherent in downhill skiing, with FIS president Johan Eliasch calling it a tragic but familiar side of the sport.
Vonn, who had been racing with a brace on her injured left knee, had spoken openly about pushing limits throughout her career, a trait that defined both her success and its abrupt conclusion.