American skier Lindsey Vonn‘s heroic effort to compete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics return ultimately ended in heartbreaking fashion as she crashed hard early in her women’s alpine downhill run during the second day of competition on Sunday (February 8).
Vonn, 41, who competed despite tearing her ACL during a practice run nine days prior, was reported to have undergone surgery and was “in stable condition,” according to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, following the crash. The legendary skier got off balance in the air during her first jump with her entire weight shifting to the backs of her skis, attempting to correct herself midair but unable to do so as she crashed to the snow, where she remained prone as concerned spectators watched in shocked silence as she could be heard wailing in pain.
Vonn’s crash took place about 13 to 14 seconds into her run, remaining down for about 13 minutes before loaded into a helicopter and airlifted about 18 minutes after the crash occurred. The 41-year-old tore her ACL during a trial run nine days prior.
Vonn’s teammate, Breezy Johnson, won Team USA its first gold medal of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, with a 1:36.10 run, edging out Germany’s Emma Aicher by .04 seconds and host nation Italy’s Sofia Goggia by 0.59 seconds. Team USA got its second gold after figure skater Ilia Malinin scored a 200.03 in the men’s free skate, leading the Americans to a one-point win over Japan in the team event.
Team USA currently ranks second in both gold and total medals behind Norway, which has three gold, one silver and two bronze for a total of six.
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