American alpine skiing star Lindsey Vonn took a significant risk on Sunday by participating in the women's Olympic downhill event with a damaged anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. This decision resulted in a dangerous fall, exacerbating her injuries, with initial reports indicating that she has at least fractured her shin. Following the accident, she underwent surgery at a hospital in Treviso and spent the night in intensive care.

Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, commented on his daughter's circumstances in an interview with the German outlet Sportschau, expressing that her situation is heartbreaking. He praised her resilience, describing her as a true warrior and a strong fighter who gave her all during the competition. He also conveyed his pride, stating that he could not be prouder of her as she is a first-class champion, despite the unfortunate outcome of the day.

Additionally, Vonn's sister, Karin Kildow, spoke to NBC, which broadcasts the Olympics in the United States. She described the moment as the last thing they wanted to see, highlighting the rapid unfolding of events during the race. Karin expressed her hope for Lindsey's well-being, acknowledging the frightening nature of the situation and the emotional toll it had on their family, reinforcing the support system around the athlete during this challenging time.