united States’ Lindsey Vonn attends a press conference by the U.S. ski team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Tuesday, feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Fatima Shbair/AP
Lindsey Vonn’s olympic Bid Faces Uncertainty After Crash
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – Lindsey Vonn’s pursuit of an Olympic medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo is in doubt after suffering a left knee injury during a downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, last Friday, January 30, 2026. The crash occurred on a challenging course that had already seen two other racers fall.
Details of the Crash and Injury
During her run, Vonn lost control after leaving a jump and crashed into the safety nets. She managed to ski down the slope with assistance before being airlifted for medical evaluation. The race was afterward canceled. Confirmed reports indicate the injury is to her left knee.
A Comeback Story
Vonn initially retired in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries. However, a partial knee replacement on her right knee in 2024 provided a path to return to competitive skiing. NBC Olympics provides updated information on this story.
Strong Performance This Season
Prior to the crash, Vonn demonstrated notable form, winning two World Cup races in December and January, and achieving podium finishes in five other races. Currently, she leads the FIS downhill standings. FIS Ski has official standings and race results.
Acknowledging the Risks
Vonn candidly admitted that pushing the boundaries of performance comes with inherent risks. “As I push the limits, I crash. And I have been injured more times than I would like to admit to myself, but those are the cards that I’ve been dealt in my life,” she stated on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She acknowledges that injuries are a part of her career’s story.
The Significance of Cortina
The location of the women’s alpine events in Cortina d’Ampezzo holds special significance for Vonn. She earned her first World Cup podium finish and went on to win a dozen World Cup races at the venue. The Olympics official website details the venue information. She has described returning to Cortina as “fate”, and a major motivating factor for her comeback.
“I don’t think I would have tried this comeback if the Olympics weren’t in Cortina. If it had been anywhere else, I would probably say it’s not worth it,” Vonn expressed in October. “But for me there’s something special about Cortina that always pulls me back and it’s pulled me back one last time.”
Looking Ahead
The Olympic downhill race is scheduled for February 8, with team events on February 10 and super-G on February 12. Vonn indicated her participation in the super-G and team events will depend on her recovery and performance in the downhill race. Her future participation remains uncertain as medical teams assess the extent of her injury and her ability to compete safely.