Lindsey Vonn airlifted from course after crash in final downhill before Olympics - The Guardian

Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American alpine skier, was airlifted from the course after crashing during her final downhill race before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The incident occurred on Friday during a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Vonn lost control after landing a jump, skidding sideways into the safety netting as snow fell and visibility worsened. Following the crash, she was seen limping and clutching her left knee, prompting race organizers to abandon the event due to deteriorating weather conditions (The Guardian, Forbes). Medical personnel attended to Vonn on-site, and she was subsequently airlifted by helicopter for further evaluation. This crash raises concerns about her fitness for the upcoming Olympics, as it occurred just days before the competition (Yahoo Sports, NBC News). Vonn's coach, Chris Knight, confirmed that she withdrew from the super-G race scheduled for the following day but remains on track for the Milano Cortina Games (The Guardian). In an Instagram post, Vonn expressed gratitude for the support she has received, stating, "Thank you for all of the love and support I have received. Means the world to me. Doing my best right now" (Yahoo Sports). This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with competitive skiing and the unpredictable nature of winter sports, where conditions can change rapidly and impact performance (The Guardian). Vonn's situation serves as a reminder of the physical demands and uncertainties that elite athletes navigate in pursuit of their goals.