US' Lindsey Vonn reacts after crashing as she competes in the women's downhill race part of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2025-2026, in Crans Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026. FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP
US skier Lindsey Vonn insisted her dream of competing at next week's Winter Olympics was not over despite a crash during the Crans-Montana downhill event on Friday, January 30. "I crashed today in the downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee," the 41-year-old American ski racer said on social media. "My Olympic dream is not over."
Vonn, the 2010 Olympic downhill champion and one of the most recognisable faces in world sport, lost control on a turn and skidded out into the safety netting during Friday's race, the final downhill before the February 6-22 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
While she was able to ski down to the bottom of the Swiss piste after her crash, she appeared to be in great discomfort from her left knee, stopping several times. After embracing teammate Jacqueline Wiles in the finish area, seemingly in tears, Vonn was promptly evacuated by helicopter for medical checks.
Vonn was set to be one of the faces of the Milan-Cortina Games, having taken this season by storm with seven podium finishes in eight races, including two downhill victories in St. Moritz and Zauchensee.
