Lindsey Vonn suffered a horrific crash during the women’s downhill final at the Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old was competing despite a ruptured ACL in her left knee sustained just days before the Games. She lost her footing after clipping a gate and fell at high speed.

The crash occurred early in her run on the Olimpia delle Tofane course. Witnesses described Vonn screaming in agony as she lay on the snow. The impact was so severe that broadcasters played background noise to mask her cries from the television audience.

On-site medics attended to Vonn for several minutes before she was placed in a medical bag. She was subsequently airlifted away by helicopter. Her sister, Karin Kildow, confirmed that Vonn’s personal surgeon was present and accompanied her to a medical facility for immediate evaluation.

BBC commentator Chemmy Alcott broke down in tears during the broadcast, describing the scene as an ‘absolute nightmare’. Alcott noted the extreme risks Vonn took by competing with a severe knee injury, stating that her body simply could not withstand the G-forces of the descent.

Following the incident, Vonn was taken to Cortina via helicopter, though it was suggested she would likely be moved to a more specialized facility in Innsbruck. Her sister reassured fans that Vonn was conscious and receiving care from the best possible medical and physical therapy staff.

The downhill event was delayed for 20 minutes while Vonn was treated and evacuated. A subsequent crash by Andorra’s Cande Moreno further prolonged the final, requiring another airlift. Despite the somber atmosphere, the crowd at the finish line applauded as Vonn’s helicopter departed.

Despite the tragedy of Vonn’s exit, her American teammate Breezy Johnson went on to secure the gold medal. Johnson’s victory marked the first American gold in the Olympic downhill event since Vonn herself won at the Vancouver Games in 2010.