Lindsey Vonn suffered a knee injury in her final downhill race before the Winter Olympics but remains optimistic about her recovery for the upcoming Milan Cortina Games. The 41-year-old American skier, who crashed during the World Cup race in Crans-Montana, expressed her determination for a comeback in an Instagram post following the incident.
Despite the challenging circumstances leading to her crash, Vonn emphasized her commitment to her Olympic aspirations. She was the third skier to crash during the race, losing control while landing a jump and getting entangled in safety nets on the course’s upper section.
Following the accident, Vonn received medical attention on the course for approximately five minutes before skiing slowly to the finish line, visibly in discomfort and supporting herself with her poles. She later provided an update on her condition via Instagram, assuring her followers that she would undergo further examinations and share more details when available.
Due to the severity of Vonn’s crash, the race was canceled, adding to the uncertainty surrounding her participation in the upcoming Winter Games. Vonn, a prominent figure in alpine skiing, was airlifted from the scene for further medical evaluation, underscoring the seriousness of her injury.
Vonn’s potential absence from the Olympics raises concerns about her participation in the women’s downhill event scheduled for February 8, as well as her involvement in other competitions like the super-G and the new team combined event. The Winter Games will take place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Vonn boasts an impressive record of 12 World Cup victories.
The incident occurred just a week before the Milan Cortina opening ceremony, adding pressure to Vonn’s recovery timeline. With her remarkable comeback last season after a long hiatus, Vonn’s determination to overcome challenges and compete at the highest level in alpine skiing remains a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport.