Just one week before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn was involved in a terrifying crash during her final World Cup downhill race. The incident happened at high speed on the Crans-Montana course, forcing emergency medical response and raising serious doubts over her Olympic participation.
Vonn, 41, lost balance after landing from a jump and spun violently on the snow before crashing into the safety nets. Her protective airbag deployed immediately, but she remained on the ground for several minutes, unable to put weight on her left knee.
What Happened During the Crash
The conditions were extremely challenging, with poor visibility, snowfall, and a slippery course. Several skiers had already crashed earlier, highlighting the danger of the run.
Here is the replay of Lindsey Vonn’s crash:#FISAlpine | #WorldCupCransMontana pic.twitter.com/1xhAuQanP0
— Team USA Olympics Updates and Coverage (@TeamUSAOLYCov) January 30, 2026
Vonn was fastest at the first checkpoint and looked strong before losing control mid-course. She tried to recover balance using her arms and ski poles, but the speed was too high. After the impact, she was seen limping and avoiding pressure on her left leg.
Here is video confirmation of Lindsey Vonn being airlifted to the hospital after her crash.
— Team USA Olympics Updates and Coverage (@TeamUSAOLYCov) January 30, 2026
Heartbreaking. #FISAlpine | #WorldCupCransMontana pic.twitter.com/Ck2oNc9lff
Following an initial medical assessment at the finish area, she was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital for further examination.
Lindsey Vonn Crash Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Location | Crans-Montana, Switzerland |
| Event | World Cup Downhill |
| Injury Area | Left knee |
| Medical Response | Airlifted by helicopter |
| Race Outcome | Race cancelled due to safety concerns |
| Olympic Status | Uncertain |
Injury Concern Ahead of Winter Olympics 2026
The timing of the crash could not be worse for Vonn. The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are set to begin in early February, and she was expected to compete in multiple events, including downhill, super-G, and the team combined event.
Wishing Lindsey Vonn a speedy recovery following her crash in Crans-Montana ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hZ6PcPVvW3
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) January 30, 2026
This season marked an impressive comeback for Vonn, who retired in 2019 and returned to competition in 2024. She entered this race wearing the downhill leader’s red bib, with two wins and three podium finishes this season.
Doctors are yet to release an official medical report, but the visible swelling and pain in her knee have already caused concern within the U.S. skiing team.
Also see: Maiden AO Doubles Title for Oda/Fernandez: Stunning Win in Men’s Wheelchair Doubles Final at AO 2026
Emotional Scenes After the Fall
After the crash, Vonn shared a long embrace with teammate Jacqueline Wiles. She appeared emotional and exhausted, keeping her eyes closed as medical staff assisted her. No official statement has been released yet, and updates are expected in the coming days.
Vonn has battled major injuries throughout her career, including a serious knee injury in 2013. Her return at age 41 was already considered remarkable, and this incident adds another dramatic chapter to her legacy.
Lindsey Vonn was aiming to end her career on a strong note after previous injury-forced exits. Her record at Cortina is outstanding, with 12 World Cup wins at the venue. However, her Olympic future now depends entirely on the severity of the knee injury and recovery timeline.
Fans, teammates, and the global skiing community are waiting for medical confirmation on whether she will be able to compete in what was expected to be her fifth Olympic appearance.
