US skier Vonn crashes in downhill run while competing with torn ACL

American skier Lindsey Vonn faced a significant setback during the 2026 Winter Olympics when she crashed in the women's downhill competition. 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 the severity of her injury, which was reported to be "100% gone," Vonn completed her second training run at the Olympics, demonstrating her determination to compete for Olympic gold (Japan Times, Yahoo Sports). However, her Olympic journey took a dramatic turn when she crashed out of the Women’s Downhill final. The incident occurred near the top of the Olympia delle Tofane course, resulting in her being airlifted off the slopes. This crash overshadowed the race, which was won by her U.S. teammate Breezy Johnson, marking America's first medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics (NBC News, Yahoo Sports). Vonn's fall was described as anguishing and painful, highlighting the risks associated with competitive skiing (Al Jazeera). Vonn's participation in the Olympics was viewed as a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, especially given the physical challenges she faced. Despite her hopes for a medal, the crash ultimately dashed her aspirations and raised concerns about the future of her skiing career (France24). The unpredictable nature of competitive skiing was underscored by this incident, emphasizing the high stakes involved in such events (Yahoo Sports).