Lindsey Vonn falls in the Olympic descent of Cortina
American skier Lindsey Vonn fell during the women's alpine skiing downhill event at the Milan-Cortina Olympics despite competing with a titanium knee and having injured the other knee just a week prior.
American skier Lindsey Vonn, who is competing with a titanium knee and recently injured her other knee, fell during the women's alpine skiing downhill event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The event took place on the Tofana track, situated in the Dolomites, where she had previously surprised spectators by posting the third best time during the second training session. Vonn fell after a jump in the upper section of the course, which led to the event being interrupted for her evacuation.
At the time of the accident, Vonn was running in the 13th position, while her compatriot Breezy Johnson, the reigning world champion in this discipline, was leading the race with a narrow margin over Germany's Emma Aicher. This incident raises concerns about Vonn's ability to compete at a high level following her recent injuries, and the Olympic stage presents significant pressure for athletes like her who are returning from such difficulties.
The interruption of the event due to Vonn's accident highlights the inherent risks in the sport of alpine skiing, especially in competitions where athletes are pushing their limits. As fans and officials await updates on her condition, this incident may act as a reminder of the challenges faced by elite athletes and the physical toll that competitive skiing can take, particularly in the build-up to the Winter Olympics.