Lindsey Vonn’s family has issued an emotional update after the American skiing legend suffered a serious crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The accident occurred on Sunday, February 8, during the women’s alpine skiing downhill event. Vonn was attempting to win a medal for Team USA despite entering the race with a known knee injury.
The 41-year-old crashed just seconds after leaving the starting gate. Spectators in Cortina d’Ampezzo reacted audibly as the severity of the incident became clear.
Vonn’s family watched in distress as she fell only 13 seconds into the run. The crash immediately raised concerns about further injury.
Vonn had been competing while already dealing with a damaged knee and a prior ACL injury. The downhill event was expected to be one of her final Olympic appearances.
Her decision to race despite those risks had already drawn attention before the event. The crash shifted focus to her condition and recovery.
Race outcome and teammate’s victory
While Vonn was unable to finish the race, her teammate Breezy Johnson went on to win gold. Johnson became only the second American woman, after Vonn, to claim gold in the downhill event.
Her victory came amid a tense atmosphere following the crash. The result highlighted both celebration and concern for the US team.
Johnson’s win was acknowledged by officials and fans, though attention quickly returned to Vonn’s health. The contrast between triumph and injury defined the moment.
Team officials praised Johnson’s performance while monitoring developments involving Vonn. The race ended with mixed emotions for Team USA.
Vonn’s message before the race
Before competing, Vonn acknowledged the risks she was taking. She shared a message expressing determination despite the challenges she faced.
In a post, she wrote that she would stand at the starting gate believing in her strength. She referenced her age, lack of an ACL, and a titanium knee.
“Know that the odds are stacked against me,” she wrote, adding that she still believed in herself. Vonn said she often performs best when facing the longest odds.
]She described the race as her final Olympic downhill. She said she would give everything she had regardless of the outcome.
Vonn announced her decision to compete only five days before the event. She said she understood the potential consequences. Her words suggested acceptance of risk alongside personal resolve. The message was widely shared ahead of the race.
Decision to compete despite injury
Vonn was repeatedly asked why she chose to compete while injured. She said her motivation was simple. “I just love ski racing,” she explained. She rejected suggestions that she was searching for attention or purpose beyond sport.
In a separate Instagram post before the race, Vonn wrote that she was confident about life outside competition. She said she knew who she was and what she was made of.
The comments reflected a sense of closure and conviction. Her return followed her retirement in February 2019.
Vonn retired as the most decorated female alpine skier in history. Her comeback at the 2026 Games was closely followed. The crash, however, marked a devastating end to her Olympic return. Questions quickly turned to her health and future.
Cause of the crash and immediate response
During the run, Vonn clipped a gate on the right side while airborne. The contact caused her to spin sideways before hitting the ground hard. Witnesses said the impact appeared severe. Some onlookers reported hearing her scream in pain.
Emergency crews responded quickly on the mountainside. Vonn was placed on a stretcher and airlifted by helicopter. Officials confirmed she was transported to hospital for treatment. The scene underscored the seriousness of the accident.
The Olympic Games issued a message of support shortly afterward. “An Olympic champion, always,” the statement read. Fans and fellow athletes also shared messages wishing her well. Many praised her courage in attempting the race.
Family update and medical condition
After Vonn was taken to hospital, her sister Karin Kildow spoke publicly. Speaking to NBC, she described the moment as frightening. She said the family immediately hoped Vonn was okay when the crash occurred.
Kildow said seeing stretchers arrive was especially concerning. “It was scary,” she said, adding that the family remained hopeful. Her comments reflected the anxiety felt by those watching from the sidelines.
In a statement released to Olympic officials, Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso said Vonn underwent orthopedic surgery. The procedure was performed to stabilize a fracture in her left leg.
They said she remains under the care of American and Italian physicians. Her team later confirmed she was in stable condition.
Featured image credit: BBC Sport & instagram/lindseyvonn
