Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old American alpine skiing legend, crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026, just one week before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The crash left her with a left knee injury, raising questions about her ability to compete in the upcoming Games.
Vonn lost control after landing a jump and skidded into the safety nets. She received medical attention on the slope before skiing slowly to the finish line, visibly favoring her left knee. She was later airlifted for further evaluation. The race was canceled after three of the first six competitors crashed due to poor visibility and challenging conditions.
Vonn, who has a history of injuries and comebacks, posted on Instagram that her "Olympic dream is not over." She has been one of the top performers this season, with two wins and five podium finishes in five downhill races. Her first Olympic race, the women’s downhill, is scheduled for February 8.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation CEO, Urs Lehmann, confirmed that Vonn had hurt her knee but did not speculate on the severity or its impact on her Olympic participation. Vonn’s coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, noted that she was in some pain and would undergo further medical checks.
Vonn’s career includes 84 World Cup race wins, four overall titles, and a 2010 Olympic downhill gold medal. She returned to competition last season after a partial titanium knee replacement and has been a leading contender in the downhill this season.
The crash occurred amid difficult racing conditions, with several competitors also crashing. France’s Romane Miradoli described the course as "bumpy everywhere" with poor visibility. The incident has cast uncertainty over Vonn’s Olympic aspirations, though she remains optimistic about her recovery.