Renowned American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn encountered a serious accident while competing in the downhill event at the Winter Olympics. At 41 years old, she represented Team USA despite a prior ACL injury before the Milan Cortina Games.
The former Olympic champion, who had high hopes of winning the competition, had to overcome a ruptured ACL suffered before the tournament. Vonn retired from skiing in 2019 but underwent a partial knee replacement in 2024, which set the stage for her remarkable return.
Despite a crash in late January that shook her Olympic aspirations, Vonn persisted in her determination to compete, completing mandatory training runs earlier in the week. Unfortunately, her quest for a triumphant conclusion turned into a heartbreaking moment.
In the women’s downhill skiing final, Vonn lay motionless on the slopes before being airlifted to the hospital. The incident elicited strong emotions from the BBC’s broadcasting team.
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Commentator Chemmy Alcott expressed deep emotions, saying, “I actually feel guilty that I am this emotional… we never thought and never believed that it would end in her in a clump at the side of the piece, not moving.
“The top section is running very fast. The left-footer is really hard for healthy athletes.
“She is pushing for the podium, despite lacking a left knee, and the outcome is devastating. The entire world was watching, hoping for a triumphant finish, but the reality was harsh.”
Alcott added, “The risk she faced with the G-force of this downhill was extremely high. Her chances of injury in a fall were multiplied. The atmosphere was tense, with intermittent clapping as a sign of hope for her recovery.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will run from February 6-22, offering over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video for fans to enjoy.
Throughout the games, the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription will grant access to TNT Sports 2, the hub for round-the-clock Olympic coverage.
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