Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Lindsey Vonn suffered a serious accident while competing in the Women's Downhill at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The incident happened amid Vonn's efforts to return to her best form on the sport's biggest stage.
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She was known to be competing in less than optimal physical condition, having suffered a serious knee ligament injury just days before the competition.
As a result of the accident, Vonn received immediate emergency medical treatment and was rushed to the hospital.
This accident not only ends her participation in this Olympics but also has the potential to mark the end of a stellar career for a global ski icon.
Lindsey Vonn's Dramatic Accident
Lindsey Vonn's accident happened about 13 seconds after the start of the Women's Downhill race.
Vonn lost control of her right ski pole after her right ski pole caught on a track marker, sending her crashing to the ice.
She twisted, fell, and then rolled heavily onto the snow.
Before this crucial race, Vonn had faced serious health challenges. The 2010 Olympic gold medalist was reportedly competing with only one functioning Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
She suffered a torn ACL in her left knee, a bone bruise, and a torn meniscus on January 30th in Crans-Montana, just a week before the Olympics began.
Despite the seriousness of her injuries, Vonn decided not to undergo surgery until after the Olympics.
Serious Injuries and Immediate Medical Treatment
After the accident, the medical team acted swiftly to provide first aid to Lindsey Vonn.
Vonn was then immediately flown by helicopter to Ca Foncello Hospital in Treviso, Italy, for further medical evaluation.
The examination confirmed that Vonn had suffered a fracture in her left foot.
Team USA confirmed that the athlete is now in stable condition and is doing well following the operation.
This injury adds to the long list of injuries Vonn has experienced throughout her career. However, the seriousness of this injury, combined with her age of 41, raises significant questions about her chances of competing at the highest level again.
Lindsey Vonn's Career Future on the Line
This accident at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre will almost certainly end Lindsey Vonn's Olympic campaign in Milano Cortina 2026.
Furthermore, this incident has the potential to be the final race of her legendary ski racer career.
International Ski Federation (FIS) President Johan Eliasch, who was present at the race, expressed his concern.
"It's tragic," Eliasch said. However, he added, "This is ski racing, and knowing Lindsey, I wouldn't rule her out of the 2030 Olympics."
Vonn herself had announced her retirement in February 2019 due to persistent injuries.
However, she made a surprise return to competitive skiing in November 2024 after undergoing partial knee replacement surgery. At 41, she even became the oldest downhill World Cup winner, demonstrating her passion for the sport.
"I just love ski racing," Vonn explained her reasons for returning.Throughout her career, Lindsey Vonn has been recognized as one of the most successful American alpine ski racers.
She won four World Cup overall championships (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012).
Vonn also won a gold medal in the downhill event at the 2010 Winter Olympics, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat.
She holds a record eight World Cup season titles in the downhill event and five in the super-G event.