Lindsey Vonn’s Epic Comeback and Heart-Wrenching Crash
Lindsey Vonn stood at the top of one of the toughest ski slopes in Cortina, Italy, ready for her final Olympic run. With her family watching below, anticipation filled the air. “This moment has finally arrived for Lindsey Vonn,” said NBC announcer Dan Hicks, highlighting the significance of this race for the legendary skier.
Vonn, now 41, is celebrated as one of the greatest in skiing history, holding three Olympic medals and 84 World Cup victories. After retiring from competitive skiing in 2019, she made a surprising announcement in late 2024: she was coming back for the 2026 Winter Games. She hoped to end her storied career with a medal in Cortina, a slope familiar to her.
However, just weeks before the Olympics, disaster struck. Vonn crashed during the last World Cup race before the Games, tearing her left ACL. Despite the injury, she boldly decided to race in the Olympics. During a training run, she proved her resilience by finishing third, showing that she wouldn’t let anything hold her back.
As Vonn began her run, ski analyst Steve Porino remarked, “She will ski at her limit.” Tragically, exactly 13 seconds in, she clipped a gate, fell, and was left tangled in skis and snow. “Oh my goodness! No!” echoed the concerned announcers. A medevac helicopter later took her away, crushing hopes for a fairy-tale ending.
For all her experience, Vonn’s fall raises questions. Nathaniel Vinton, author of The Fall Line, pointed out that the challenging turn leading up to the gate was not just tricky, but particularly challenging for someone with a bad knee. “It’s incredibly technical,” he noted, adding that the centrifugal force during that turn would test any skier, let alone one recovering from injuries.
Vonn had the skills to handle high-pressure situations. Yet, in her quest for glory and to push limits, she sometimes risked everything. As Vinton said, “She’s not going to ski conservatively to finish tenth,” reflecting Vonn’s fearless nature.
Many fans and fellow athletes expressed their admiration for her courage. In a post-race interview, teammate Breezy Johnson, who also had a tough history with injuries, underscored the harsh realities of skiing. “The sport is brutal,” she explained, but the thrill of racing keeps her coming back. Vonn’s toughness and determination to compete at the highest level inspired many, even amid her heartbreak.
Johnson, who returned strong after missing key competitions, epitomizes the resilience that Vonn represents. As Vonn faced her challenges, her spirit resonated with so many followers around the world.
In sports, injuries are part of the game, but Vonn’s determination remains legendary. While her Olympic journey may have come to an unexpected close, her legacy of bravery and excellence in skiing will last forever.
For updates on Lindsey Vonn and the world of sports, you can check the U.S. Olympic team’s news or follow coverage at NBC Sports.
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