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Lindsey Vonn made a high-profile return to elite ski racing last season after a hiatus of nearly six years.
WASHINGTON — In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday’s Olympic downhill, 41-year-old American skier Lindsey Vonn suffered a severe crash while competing with a significantly injured left knee. Following the accident, she received on-course medical attention before being evacuated by helicopter.
The incident occurred when Vonn misjudged her line on the opening traverse, causing her to lose control and spin mid-air. Her screams filled the air as she landed, prompting immediate response from medical staff. Strapped onto a stretcher, she was airlifted from the scene, casting doubt on the future of her illustrious career.
The race was temporarily paused as Vonn received necessary medical care. Meanwhile, her fellow American skier Breezy Johnson had secured the early lead.
Among the spectators was Vonn’s father, Alan Kildow, who watched the events unfold with a heavy heart, fixated on the scene as his daughter was attended to by medics.
All eyes were on Vonn, the feel-good story heading into the Olympics. She returned to elite ski racing last season after nearly six years away from the circuit. On a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee, too. Her surgery in April 2024 left her feeling so good that she decided to give it a go for another Olympics appearance.
She stunned everyone by being a contender almost immediately. She is leading the World Cup downhill standings and was a gold-medal favorite before her crash in Switzerland last week when she suffered her latest knee injury. In addition to a ruptured ACL, she also had a bone bruise and meniscus damage.
AP Olympics: