Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to the hospital after falling during the World Cup downhill competition one week before the 2026 Winter Olympics, but insists her “Olympic dream is not over”.
She injured her left knee after landing a jump in Friday’s Crans-Montana race, losing control and colliding with the safety net.
The 41-year-old athlete remained in place until he was examined by medical staff and then slowly skied the rest of the mountain.
She limped to her knees, stopping several times to check on herself before hugging teammate Jacqueline Wiles at the base of the mountain.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team said Vonn was examined in a medical tent before being transported by helicopter from the Swiss Alps and is “currently undergoing testing.”
“I have discussed the situation with my doctors and team and will undergo further tests,” the Olympian confirmed on Instagram. “This is a very difficult result a week before the Olympics… but if there’s one way I can do it, it’s a comeback.”
Vonn insisted that her “Olympic dream is not over,” adding, “Thank you for all the love and support. I will let you know when I have more information. Thank you to all the medical staff who helped me today. Thank you for the incredible help I received.”
She concluded, “I send my best wishes to @marte.monsen who was injured in a serious accident today. 🙏🏻❤️🩹, I love you all.”
Vonn, in particular, suffered multiple injuries before retiring in 2019, including two torn ACLs, one torn MCL, a fractured tibia, and nine knee surgeries.
She underwent a titanium knee replacement before announcing her return to the sport in November 2024.
“I was really excited to be able to ski race again, which I loved so much, and not be in pain,” she told People earlier this month. “I didn’t have any pain and my knee didn’t swell. I felt like I could do anything.”
If Vonn competes in Italy next week, she will become the oldest woman in Olympic history to compete in an alpine race.
She celebrated this in an October 2025 Time magazine cover story, enthusing: “I’ve already accomplished more than anyone expected. I’ve already accomplished the impossible.”
But Bonn said, “I don’t know how satisfied I would be if we ended without a medal. But I don’t think that will happen.”
After Friday’s injury, Vonn’s A-list followers, from Olivia Munn to Rebel Wilson, took to Instagram to express their love.
