Lindsey Vonn Airlifted After Crash in Pre-Olympics Downhill Event
Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American skier, experienced a significant crash during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The incident occurred on Friday, just one week before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn, 41, is aiming to make a formidable return to competitive skiing after a partial knee replacement.
Lindsey Vonn’s Crash Details
During the race, Vonn lost control when landing a jump, resulting in her crashing into safety nets. The challenging weather conditions contributed to several crashes, prompting the cancellation of the race after just a few participants had taken their turns.
- Vonn was the sixth skier to race in the event.
- Two skiers, Nina Ortlieb and Marte Monsen, crashed before her.
- Three racers total crashed, leading to the race’s cancellation.
Medical Attention and Airlift
Following the crash, Vonn was able to stand up but limped and kept weight off her left knee. After initial medical assistance, she gingerly made her way to a medical tent where she received additional care. Ultimately, Vonn was airlifted from the course by helicopter, an unsettling image as she dangled over the Swiss Alps.
The Impact on Olympic Aspirations
This crash raises concerns about Vonn’s participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics. She was expected to be a prominent competitor, with events scheduled for February 8, including the women’s downhill, super-G, and a new team combined event.
This season, Vonn has been a dominant force in downhill skiing, securing two wins and finishing on the podium in seven out of eight World Cup races. However, her worst finish was fourth place, demonstrating her consistent performance despite the recent setback.
Looking Ahead
Vonn holds a record 12 World Cup victories in Cortina d’Ampezzo, making this crash particularly concerning. She had been aiming to compete in a super-G event on Saturday, intended to be her final race before the Olympics. The conditions during the event were described as difficult, with low visibility and snow falling.
As she prepares for the potential of Olympic competition, the recent crash adds uncertainty to Vonn’s future. Her career has been marked by resilience following numerous injuries, and many hope to see her rise to the challenge once again.
