An official update has been released on Lindsey Vonn’s condition after the American skiing legend crashed during the women’s downhill final at the Winter Olympics in Cortina. The incident occurred shortly before the first timing line when Vonn clipped a gate with her right ski pole, lost balance, and fell at high speed. She tumbled down the slope and appeared to hit her head before coming to a stop.
Medical teams quickly reached the 41-year-old before she was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby medical facility. The crash raised immediate concern, especially as Vonn had already been competing with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee — an injury she suffered just nine days earlier at a World Cup event in Crans-Montana. Despite that setback, she pushed forward, completing training runs to qualify for the Olympic final while aiming to become the oldest alpine skier to win an Olympic medal.
After hours of uncertainty, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team confirmed Vonn is in stable condition and receiving care from both American and Italian medical specialists. Her sister, Karin Kildow, described the moment as frightening, saying the family had limited information initially but remained hopeful as doctors evaluated her condition.
Reports later confirmed Vonn is being treated in Cortina rather than transferred to a larger hospital in Verona, easing earlier fears that her injuries might be more severe. While the crash ended her Olympic hopes, early signs suggest her condition is more stable than first feared.