In the much-anticipated women's downhill race at Cortina d'Ampezzo, the weather cleared to provide an ideal backdrop for the event, which had been overshadowed by Lindsey Vonn's return from a knee injury. As the sixth athlete to start, Vonn's compatriot Breezy Johnson took an impressive lead, despite some mistakes, while Emma Aicher from Sundsvall, competing for Germany, held a strong second position.

The excitement surrounding Lindsey Vonn's participation in the race was palpable, given her recent history with a cruciate ligament injury that had raised doubts about her ability to compete. Experts had predicted that the clear conditions would favor the racers, and Vonn was expected to be a frontrunner. However, tragedy struck early in her run as she crashed during the first sharp right turn, a move crucial for maintaining speed and balance.

The crash resulted in Vonn needing immediate medical attention, leading to her being airlifted to a hospital. This unfortunate incident not only highlights the risks athletes face in high-speed sports but also raises concerns about Vonn's future in competitive skiing, as her injuries have already taken a toll on her career.