US Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to a hospital following a crash during a race. The incident raised significant concerns just days before the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The race director, Peter Gerdol, canceled the event due to worsening visibility. Vonn, aged 41, had been in excellent form prior to the crash.
After the collision, she appeared to be in pain, holding her left knee. Her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, a two-time Olympic champion, confirmed the need for medical checks.
Medical Evaluation
- The physical therapist assessed Vonn’s condition on-site.
- Despite early evaluations indicating no severe issues, further checks were deemed necessary.
- Vonn was ultimately airlifted to ensure a comprehensive review of her injuries.
Vonn’s Career Highlights
Lindsey Vonn is well-known for her accomplishments in alpine skiing. She secured the Olympic downhill championship in 2010. After almost six years away from the sport, she made a comeback last season.
In 2022, Vonn missed the Beijing Games due to an ACL injury. Nevertheless, she returned to competition successfully after a partial knee replacement.
- In December 2022, Vonn became the oldest World Cup winner in downhill skiing history.
- Her victory took place in St Moritz, Switzerland.
Upcoming Challenges
The upcoming downhill event is scheduled for February 8, leaving Vonn with limited time to recover from her injuries. Her participation remains uncertain, and her team is focused on monitoring her condition.
Other Incidents During the Race
Norwegian skier Marte Monsen also experienced a severe fall during the race. She collided with the side-netting and was stretchered off due to a bloodied face, highlighting the dangers present on the slopes.
