Lindsey Vonn suffered a left knee injury during her final downhill race before the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games. Despite the setback, the 41-year-old American remains optimistic about her Olympic aspirations, expressing her determination for a comeback in an Instagram post following the crash.
During the World Cup race in Crans-Montana, Vonn lost control while landing a jump, leading to a collision with safety nets on the course. Despite the fall, she managed to get up after receiving medical attention and skied slowly to the finish line, visibly in pain and clutching her injured knee.
In an update on Instagram, Vonn confirmed the knee injury and stated that she is consulting with medical professionals for further evaluation. The race was canceled due to the challenging weather conditions and Vonn was airlifted for medical treatment, raising concerns about her Olympic participation.
Vonn, known for her remarkable comeback last season after a long hiatus from ski racing, has been a dominant force in downhill events this season. With multiple podium finishes and strong performances, she was expected to be a key contender at the upcoming Winter Games.
The crash occurred just a week before the Milan Cortina Winter Games, where Vonn is scheduled to compete in the women’s downhill event on February 8, along with the super-G and team combined event. The Olympic skiing events will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Vonn holds an impressive record of 12 World Cup victories.
The race conditions in Crans-Montana were challenging, with poor visibility and difficult terrain contributing to multiple crashes. Vonn, who had shown promising speed early in the race, lost balance while attempting a jump and ended up in the safety nets, joining other skiers who had also suffered mishaps during the event.
The community in Crans-Montana, still recovering from a recent tragedy, paid tribute to the victims of a fatal fire with a moment of silence before the race. The finish area was somber, adorned with messages of support and unity in multiple languages, reflecting a sense of solidarity during the event.