Was Lindsey Vonn injured before Milano Cortina? Crash raises concern days before Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn suffered a worrying crash during her final downhill World Cup race just one week before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, creating uncertainty around her Olympic readiness. The 41-year-old American lost control after landing a jump, slid into the safety nets, and was visibly limping while keeping weight off her left knee. Medical staff attended to her on the slope before she cautiously made her way down and entered a medical tent. The race itself was later canceled after three of the first six competitors crashed amid poor visibility and challenging conditions.

The incident raised immediate concern because this was scheduled to be Vonn’s final downhill appearance before the Olympic opening ceremony. She had been skiing aggressively and was among the early leaders, posting one of the fastest splits at the first checkpoint before the error. With her first Olympic race, the women’s downhill, set for February 8, questions now surround her physical condition, especially since no official injury diagnosis has been released.

What Lindsey Vonn’s crash means for her Olympic plans

The timing of the fall is especially troubling given Vonn’s recent comeback. After undergoing a partial titanium knee replacement, she returned to top-level competition and delivered one of the strongest seasons of her career resurgence. Entering this race, Vonn was the World Cup’s leading downhiller, recording two victories and three additional podium finishes. That consistency placed her firmly among Team USA’s top medal hopes heading into Milano Cortina.

Vonn also has a long track record of significant injury-related issues, specifically her knee injury during the 2013 World Championships. This resulted in Vonn not being able to compete in the 2014 Sochi Olympics due to not being able to recover in time. While she managed to stand and ski away after this latest fall, observers noted her cautious movements, visible discomfort, and hesitation when putting weight on her left knee.

Vonn was also planning to compete in a super-G event the following day, which would have been her final race before the Games. That plan now appears uncertain as medical evaluations continue. Women’s alpine skiing at the Olympics will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo. At this venue, Vonn holds a record 12 World Cup victories, underscoring both her dominance there and the stakes involved.

Throughout the next few days, officials and supporters of Team USA will continue to watch for news about how she is doing. With the start of the Olympics approaching, anything less than full recovery could undermine not only preparation and confidence but also likely medal expectations for this impressive skier and Olympic performance.


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