Lindsey Vonn was taken to hospital after a heavy fall in the women’s downhill final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina. The 41-year-old, a 2010 Olympic downhill champion, lost balance early in her run after her right ski pole clipped an outside gate near the first timing point. She went down at high speed and slid down the course before medical staff reached her. Vonn was treated on site and then transported by medical helicopter to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and care.

The crash came just days after Vonn revealed she had been managing a serious left-knee injury, including a torn ACL, yet she still chose to compete after completing two training runs. Following several hours of uncertainty, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team said Vonn was in stable condition and receiving treatment from a team of American and Italian doctors. Her sister, Karin Kildow, shared that the family initially had limited information and was waiting for a detailed medical update. Reports later indicated Vonn remained in Cortina for treatment rather than being moved to a larger hospital, which was viewed as a reassuring sign in the immediate aftermath.