Vonn reflects on Winter Olympics downhill crash and tibia injury

Lindsey Vonn, the Olympic gold medalist skier, suffered a serious injury during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The incident occurred just 13 seconds into her run when she hit a gate on her first jump, lost control, twisted in the air, and fell into the snow. This crash marked a brutal end to Vonn's comeback attempt for a medal, as she was competing despite having a ruptured ACL. Following the crash, she was airlifted off the mountain by helicopter. Vonn sustained a left tibia fracture described as a complex tibia fracture. She underwent surgery to repair the fracture and is reported to be in stable condition. However, it has been indicated that she will require multiple surgeries to address her injuries. The severity of her condition has raised concerns about athlete safety in high-stakes events like the Olympics, where the pressure to perform can lead to dangerous situations. Despite the severity of her injuries, Vonn expressed that she has "no regrets" about her performance and her participation in the event. Her determination to compete, even with a pre-existing injury, underscores her commitment to the sport. The incident has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the risks associated with competitive skiing and the challenges athletes face when returning to competition after injury.