Lindsey Vonn's incredible comeback came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday when the 41-year-old skier crashed just 13.4 seconds into the women's downhill final at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn crashed seconds into her downhill Olympic race after she decided to compete despite rupturing her left ACL in a prior crash during a World Cup event in the Swiss Alps a week ago. She was put on a stretcher and had to be airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
The 41-year-old American, who came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, earlier confirmed that she had fully ruptured her ACL, but said she felt confident she could still complete the race with the help of a knee brace. Just days before the race, Vonn practiced for the second straight day and ended all doubts about her performing in Sunday's Olympic women's downhill competition, finishing with a time of 1:38.28 in Saturday's training run, more than 2 seconds faster than her Friday time.
Vonn lost control over the opening traverse after cutting the line too tight and was spun around in the air. Her right ski pole clipped the gate at the crest of the jump, which flung her off balance and induced the crash. While Vonn was attempting the impossible - winning a medal just days after tearing her ACL - her brave effort fell short. The good news for Team USA: her teammate, Breezy Johnson, took gold, the first medal for the U.S. in these Games.
Team USA's Head Speed Coach Paul Kristofic said Lindsey Vonn remains under medical evaluation in Cortina, with the team yet to hear any update on Vonn's condition, saying "We don't know anything really yet." The ski legend's Olympic return came during an exciting 2026 Milan Cortina Games, but this moment will define how fans remember her courageous comeback.