American skier Lindsey Vonn crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, injuring her left knee just one week before the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Despite the setback, the 41-year-old is determined to compete, stating her Olympic dream is not over. She withdrew from the subsequent super-G race but is preparing as usual for the games in Milan-Cortina.
Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American alpine skiing star, suffered a left knee injury on January 31, 2026, during the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. As the sixth starter, she lost control after landing a jump amid snowfall and low visibility, spinning into the safety netting. She received on-site medical attention, stood with difficulty favoring her left knee, and was airlifted to a hospital for evaluation.
The race, which saw three of the first six starters crash, was canceled due to deteriorating conditions. Officials defended the course as safe, attributing crashes to racer errors rather than light or design, though tight turns near the finish drew criticism. Vonn's coach, Chris Knight, confirmed she is 'preparing for Cortina as usual,' while teammate Aksel Lund Svindal noted initial checks were okay but further exams were needed.
On Instagram, Vonn wrote: '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. My Olympic dream is not over.' She skipped the next day's super-G, posting: 'Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today… Doing my best right now.' Support poured in from teammates like Mikayla Shiffrin, who said, 'If anyone can do this, it’s you,' and celebrities including Simone Biles and Billie Jean King.
Vonn's comeback follows a 2019 retirement due to injuries and a 2024 partial right knee replacement with titanium. She has 84 World Cup wins, second among women, and aims to be the oldest female Olympic alpine racer. Her events include women's downhill on February 8, team combined on February 10, and super-G on February 12 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a venue of past success for her.
A friend told the New York Post that Vonn is urging positivity: 'Stay strong, don’t be a Debbie Downer.' NBC sources believe she will compete, citing her resilience after missing prior Olympics due to injuries.
