CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland -- Lindsey Vonn suffered a crash during her final downhill race on Friday, just prior to the Olympics, and was subsequently airlifted from the course for medical evaluation. This incident marks a concerning development for the 41-year-old U.S. skiing icon, occurring merely a week ahead of the Milan Cortina Games.
Vonn, who became the third skier to experience a crash in the World Cup event in Crans-Montana, lost her balance while landing a jump and became ensnared in the safety nets situated on the upper section of the course.
After approximately five minutes of medical assistance, she managed to rise, appearing to be in discomfort and relying on her poles for support. Vonn then proceeded to ski slowly towards the finish line, pausing several times during her descent while grasping her left knee.
Due to the challenging conditions characterized by poor visibility, the race was ultimately canceled following Vonn's accident.
It was not immediately evident how the crash would affect Vonn's preparations for the Olympics. The American athlete, anticipated to be one of the standout stars of the Games, limped into a medical tent for assistance before being airlifted by helicopter, suspended from a hoist cable with two individuals attending to her.
Prior to entering the tent, Vonn displayed an anxious demeanor, her eyes closed during a lengthy embrace with teammate Jacqueline Wiles, who was leading the race when it was abruptly canceled.
"I know she injured her knee; I spoke with her," stated Urs Lehmann, the CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, to reporters in the finish area. "I am uncertain if the injury is severe enough that she will miss the Olympics. We should await the doctors' assessments."
Vonn made an impressive return last season at the age of 40 after nearly six years away from competitive skiing. Competing with a partial titanium implant in her right knee, she has been the leading downhiller on the circuit this season, achieving two victories and three additional podium finishes in five races.
Including super-G, Vonn has participated in eight World Cup races this season, securing a podium finish in seven of them. Her lowest placement was fourth.
The crash took place exactly one week before the opening ceremony in Milan Cortina.
Vonn's first Olympic event is the women's downhill scheduled for February 8. She also intended to compete in the super-G and the newly introduced team combined event at the Games.
Women's skiing events at the Olympics will occur in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where Vonn holds the record for 12 World Cup victories.
Additionally, Vonn was set to race in a super-G in Crans-Montana on Saturday, which would have been her final competition before the Olympics.
Challenging race conditions
Vonn was the sixth competitor in Friday's downhill and had clocked the fastest time at the first checkpoint before landing a jump in an unbalanced manner. She raised her left arm and pole high in an effort to regain her stability. As she attempted to brake, she was spun around and ultimately ended up in the safety nets.
Two additional skiers had also experienced crashes prior to her: Nina Ortlieb from Austria and Marte Monsen from Norway.
Ortlieb crashed at the top in the same vicinity as Vonn, while Monsen collided with the nets just before the finish area and required transportation via sled. The race was postponed following both incidents. However, two competitors -- Wiles and Corinne Suter, the Olympic champion, successfully completed their runs.
Wiles struggled to navigate the tight final left-hand turn that had previously deceived Monsen.
Romane Miradoli from France, who was the second to start and completed her run, mentioned that visibility was a concern due to falling snow.
"You can't see," Miradoli remarked, "and it's bumpy everywhere."
When asked about the danger level, Miradoli responded, "We just couldn't see well."
Vonn has encountered numerous crashes throughout her career. One of her most severe incidents occurred at the 2013 world championships in Schladming, Austria, during a super-G event that was also conducted under challenging conditions. Vonn was subsequently airlifted from the course and sustained a serious injury to her right knee. She made a comeback the following season, only to be injured again, which caused her to miss the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Tributes in Crans-Montana
The race commenced on Friday amidst a somber atmosphere in Crans-Montana, which is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic bar fire that occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day, resulting in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries. A moment of silence was observed prior to the race.
The finish area was devoid of color and the typical sponsor advertisements. Instead, it displayed white and black banners adorned with a ribbon and the phrase "Our thoughts are with you" inscribed in French, German, Italian, and English.
