Winter Olympics 2026 AM roundup: First gold medal awarded, Lindsey Vonn completes second training run

During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Lindsey Vonn, the renowned U.S. ski star, faced a significant setback in her Olympic journey. Vonn had previously announced that she ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee following a crash during a World Cup downhill event the week prior. Despite this serious injury, she completed her second training run at the Olympics, demonstrating her determination to compete in the Olympic downhill competition. Reports indicated that her ACL was "100% gone," yet she remained hopeful about her chances of winning Olympic gold (Japan Times, Yahoo Sports). However, Vonn's Olympic comeback ended dramatically when she crashed out of the Women’s Downhill final. The crash occurred near the top of the Olympia delle Tofane course, leading to her being airlifted off the slopes. This incident overshadowed the race, which was won by her U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson, marking America's first medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics (France24, NPR, AP News). Vonn's crash highlighted the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the risks athletes take in pursuit of their goals. Vonn's participation in the Olympics was seen as a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, even in the face of severe physical challenges. However, the crash ultimately dashed her hopes for a medal and raised concerns about the future of her skiing career (France24). The dramatic turn of events underscored the intensity and unpredictability of Olympic competition, particularly in high-stakes events like downhill skiing.