Utah skier Lindsey Vonn, 41, was injured at the World Cup in Switzerland on Jan. 30, just a week before the Milano Cortina Olympics.
NBC News reported that Vonn lost control while landing a jump during low visibility and crashed into the safety nets on the upper level of the course. She had to be airlifted off the course.
“This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback,” Vonn posted on her Instagram following the crash. “My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”
Vonn won the 2025 downhill skiing event at the Alpine Ski World Cup in December, becoming the oldest person to do so.
In a press conference, Vonn revealed that she had bruising on her ACL and bone. She also has some meniscal damage on her left knee.
“My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday,” Vonn said. “As long as there’s a chance, I will try . . . I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate.”
Vonn temporarily retired from skiing in 2019 following a separate injury and a bronze medal at the world championships, but returned in 2024. She was the first American woman to win gold in downhill skiing, doing so at the 2010 Olympics. She currently lives in Park City, Utah.
The 2026 Winter Olympics start on Friday, Feb. 6 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The games will return to Utah in 2034.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Editor: Payson Davis
