Just days away from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Milan, Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic fate hangs in the balance after she suffered an injury on January 30.
“A very difficult result a week before the Olympics…but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s come back,” Vonn wrote on Instagram.
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Competing in her fifth Winter Olympics, the pro skier took to the slopes to compete in the Downhill World Cup, her final race before the Olympics. Scroll down to learn everything we know about how she got injured, what it means for her Olympic future, and more.
What happened to Lindsey Vonn?
Vonn was competing in her final pre-Olympic downhill ski race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, when she lost control while landing from a jump. She became entangled in the safety netting on the pitch and was treated by medical professionals before getting up and leaving the scene.
However, Vaughn walked with a noticeable limp and appeared to be using crutches for stability, the Associated Press reported. She was able to relock her skis and skate toward the finish line, but had to stop a few times along the way and pay attention to her left knee.
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After Vonn reached the medical tent at the bottom of the field, she was airlifted from the mountain by helicopter. She was one of three racers who crashed that morning and the race was eventually called off due to poor conditions.
In her subsequent Instagram post, Vonn confirmed she was “hurt” [her] Left knee. “She also added: “Thank you to all the medical staff who helped me today. I am grateful for all the incredible help I have received. “
Will Lindsey Vonn compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
After the crash, Vonn said via Instagram that she was “discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further testing.” However, she also assured fans that “my Olympic dream is not over” and that she would “provide more information” once it is available.
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“I know she injured her knee. I talked to her,” Urs Lehmann, chief executive of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, told reporters, according to the Associated Press. “I don’t know if she’s really serious and (if) she won’t miss the Olympics. Let’s wait and see what the doctors say.”
On January 31, Vonn’s personal head coach Chris Knight revealed to the Associated Press that she was still expected to compete in the Olympics. “No, she is not playing today but is preparing for Cortina as usual,” he told the media via text message.
Vonn shared a positive message via Instagram the same day. “Unfortunately I can’t play today… wish all my teammates a great game
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,” she wrote. “Thank you for all the love and support you’ve given me. Means the world to me. Trying my best right now…
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Her first Olympic event, downhill skiing, is scheduled for February 8. If this injury does not affect her, she also plans to participate in the super G (super giant slalom) competition and team comprehensive events.
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For Vonn, that means a comeback at the Winter Olympics, where she last competed in 2018. Before that, she was sidelined for a year in 2014 with a torn ACL and other ligament injuries in her right knee.
Vaughn retired in 2019 due to injuries. In November 2024, seven months after undergoing knee replacement surgery, she announced her return to the sport. Vaughan credits her titanium knees with freeing her from the pain and swelling she suffered for years.
How many Olympic gold medals has Lindsey Vonn won?
Vonn won a gold medal at the Olympics. She won a gold medal in downhill skiing at the 2010 Olympics. That year, she also won a bronze medal in the super-G. When she returned to the Olympics in 2018, she won a bronze medal in the downhill event.
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Prior to that, Vonn made her Olympic debut in 2002 at the age of 17, competing in the slalom and team events. In 2006, she returned to the slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and all-around, but did not finish on the podium in any of the races.
At the 2010 Olympics, she won bronze and gold medals, while also competing in the slalom, giant slalom and all-around events. In 2014, Vaughn suffered a right knee injury that sidelined him for a year. In 2018, she competed in the super-G and team events and won a bronze medal in the downhill event.
2026 Winter Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Friday, February 6, February 1, NBC and Peacock
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