Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American Alpine skier, has withdrawn from Saturday’s World Cup super-G race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a concerning crash during Friday’s downhill event. The incident has raised questions about her participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, though she remains determined to compete.
The 41-year-old Vonn, who staged an impressive comeback after retiring in 2019 and undergoing knee replacement surgery, was leading early in Friday’s downhill when she lost balance after landing a jump. She spun out, crashed into the safety netting, and stayed down for several minutes before gingerly skiing to the finish, visibly favoring her left leg. She was airlifted for medical evaluation, with the race ultimately canceled due to poor visibility and multiple early crashes, including Vonn’s.
In an Instagram post Friday, Vonn confirmed she injured her left knee and would undergo further examinations. She struck an optimistic note, writing: “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.”
On Saturday, she announced her withdrawal from the super-G — her final tune-up before the Games — posting: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today… wishing all my teammates a great race.” She added, “Doing my best right now,” accompanied by video of the crash, but offered no detailed update on her condition.
Her coach, Chris Knight, indicated she was still preparing for the Olympics, where women’s downhill is set for February 8 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, followed by the team combined (February 10) and super-G (February 12). Vonn has been dominant this season, winning two downhills, securing podiums consistently, and leading the World Cup downhill standings with her trademark speed and resilience.
The crash occurred in challenging conditions, with three of the first six racers falling, highlighting safety concerns on the course. Despite the setback, Vonn’s history of overcoming injuries fuels hope for her Olympic return, where she could contend for medals in her events. She has previously signaled plans to retire after the Games but has considered extending her season to chase another crystal globe.
As the Olympics approach, all eyes are on Vonn’s recovery in what could be one of the most dramatic comebacks in skiing history.
