Lindsey Vonn Crashes in Final Downhill Before Milan-Cortina Olympics, Leaving Fans and Team USA Concerned
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — In a jarring twist just one week before the official opening of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated alpine skiers in U.S. history, suffered a significant crash during the final FIS World Cup downhill race on Friday. The 41-year-old Olympic legend — making her highly anticipated comeback — lost control after landing a jump and collided with safety netting, leaving her visibly favoring her left knee and raising fresh concerns about her Olympic prospects.
Vonn, known for her fearless racing style and remarkable resilience, has been a dominant figure on the World Cup circuit this season. She clinched multiple podium finishes and even secured a victory at St. Moritz, proving she could still compete at the highest level despite years away from professional skiing and a major knee surgery.
But in Crans-Montana on Friday, conditions were treacherous — heavy snow, poor visibility and unpredictable terrain made the course particularly challenging. Three of the first six racers, including Vonn, crashed, prompting race officials to cancel the event early due to safety concerns.
A Harrowing Moment on the Slopes
The crash unfolded during the women’s final downhill before the Olympics, an event that had major significance for athletes fine-tuning their skills ahead of the Games. Vonn, racing sixth, appeared to misjudge her balance upon landing after a steep jump. She skidded sideways into the safety nets on the upper section of the course and lay on the snow for several moments while medical personnel attended to her.
When she eventually stood up, Vonn was grimacing and gingerly taking weight off her left leg. Using her poles for support, she tried to continue skiing down the slope and ultimately made it to the finish area — but not without a visible limp and clear discomfort.
Vonn entered the medical tent for evaluation, and while initial reactions from Team USA and Olympic officials remained cautiously optimistic, the crash underscores a lingering vulnerability for the ski star as the Winter Games approach.
From Comeback Hero to Injury Scare
For Vonn, the journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. After retiring from competitive skiing in 2019 due to chronic knee injuries, she made a dramatic decision to return to the slopes. Her drive stemmed from a desire to conclude her career on her own terms — not forced out by injury or circumstances beyond her control.
This comeback has included a partial titanium knee replacement and months of intense training. Her return to World Cup competition saw her climb back to the top of the leaderboard, proving both her physical durability and mental fortitude.
But Friday’s crash is a stark reminder of how thin the margin for error can be — even for a seasoned veteran like Vonn. The incident has sparked immediate discussions about her readiness for the Olympics and whether she might need time to recover before the women’s downhill event on Feb. 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Team USA and Olympic Implications
Vonn’s potential participation in the Winter Games remains a central storyline as the U.S. ski and snowboard team prepares for competition in Italy. She is part of one of the most formidable American rosters in recent history, which also includes stars like Mikaela Shiffrin, Chloe Kim, and standout snowboarders eyeing medal performances.
Before her crash, Vonn was widely viewed as a medal contender — particularly in the downhill and super-G disciplines — and her veteran presence was expected to provide a morale boost to her teammates.
Now, with less than a week to go before the Olympics begin, coaches, medical staff and fans alike will be monitoring her condition closely. A full recovery could still see Vonn racing in Milan-Cortina, but if her knee proves problematic, the iconic athlete may be forced to adjust her plans or sit out some events entirely.
Conditions and Safety Concerns at Crans-Montana
The Crans-Montana downhill became a hot topic among athletes and analysts due to its challenging conditions. Multiple competitors — including Austria’s Nina Ortlieb and Norway’s Marte Monsen — also crashed during the race, highlighting how treacherous the course had become. Weather conditions included heavy snowfall and low visibility, making courses more unpredictable and dangerous than usual.
French skier Romane Miradoli, one of the few racers to complete her run before cancellation, remarked on how bumpy and unclear the surface was, saying, “You can’t see, and it’s bumpy everywhere.” Her comments echoed the broader concerns shared by athletes and spectators.
While Vonn’s incident was not career-ending, it does add to a long list of highs and lows across her skied life — from podium victories to devastating crashes that defined her legendary status in alpine skiing.
Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina 2026
As the Winter Olympics draw near, this latest development raises important questions about athlete safety, course conditions, and the lasting impact of injuries on elite competitors. Vonn’s situation will be monitored not just by her team but by sports fans across the United States who have followed her career since she first burst onto the international skiing scene.
In the coming days, Vonn and her medical team will issue updates regarding her knee and her ability to compete. Regardless of the outcome, her storied journey — from World Cup dominance to near retirement and sensational return — remains one of the most compelling narratives heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics.
