American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after crashing during a downhill race in Switzerland on Friday. The race took place in Crans Montana as part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup but officials cancelled it due to safety concerns.
Vonn lost control after landing a jump and slid into the safety netting at high speed. She became the third skier to crash on the course, which raised alarm among race officials. Despite the heavy fall, she managed to ski to the finish but showed clear signs of pain.
Knee injury one week before Olympics
After the crash, medics took Vonn to hospital for evaluation. She later confirmed that she injured her left knee. However, she remained positive about her chances of competing at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
In a social media post, Vonn said her Olympic dream was not over. She explained that doctors and her team were assessing the injury and that she would undergo more tests. She admitted the timing was difficult, with the Olympics starting in just one week, but stressed that she knows how to fight back.
FIS explains decision to stop race
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation stopped the race after the first six skiers faced problems on the course. The FIS stated that athlete safety guided the final decision to cancel the event.
Women’s World Cup race director Peter Gerdol said worsening visibility caused the unsafe conditions. Poor light and changing weather made it hard for athletes to judge speed and jumps.
Strong form before setback
Before the crash, Vonn showed strong form ahead of the Milan Cortina Games. She returned to competitive skiing last season after nearly six years away from the sport. In December, she became the oldest downhill World Cup winner with her victory in St Moritz.
Vonn won Olympic gold in the downhill event at the 2010 Winter Games. She missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics because of an ACL injury but later returned after undergoing a partial knee replacement.
Another skier injured
Norway’s Marte Monsen also crashed during the same race. She hit the side netting and left the course on a stretcher with facial injuries. Her fall added to concerns about the safety of the conditions on the slope.
The Winter Olympics begin on 6 February, with the women’s downhill scheduled for 8 February. Vonn’s participation now depends on medical clearance in the coming days.
