In a moment that sent shockwaves through the alpine skiing world, 41-year-old American star Lindsey Vonn crashed heavily during the women’s downhill World Cup race on January 30, 2026, injuring her left knee and forcing the event’s cancellation after just six starters.
Vonn, wearing the red bib as the discipline leader and a pre-race favorite, lost control shortly after landing a jump in the second sector of the Mont Lachaux course. She skidded at high speed into the safety nets, remaining down for several minutes in visible pain before slowly skiing to the finish, clutching her knee and grimacing.
Medical teams rushed to her aid on course, and she was subsequently airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for further evaluation. The race was red-flagged and ultimately canceled due to deteriorating visibility, low light, and multiple crashes (Vonn was the third skier to go down).
In an emotional Instagram post shortly after, Vonn addressed fans directly: “I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee. I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams. This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over.”
The injury comes amid Vonn’s remarkable late-career resurgence—she returned from retirement, overcame a 2024 right knee surgery, and podiumed in every downhill this season, including two wins. Her status for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, starting February 6, remains uncertain pending medical results.
Vonn also sent well-wishes to Norwegian skier Marte Monsen, who suffered a major crash and injury in the same event.
Fans and fellow athletes flooded social media with support, echoing Vonn’s own words: comebacks are indeed her specialty. Updates are expected as exams continue.
