Cortina d’Ampezzo: American ski legend Lindsey Vonn has spoken publicly after a serious crash ended her campaign at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vonn suffered a complex fracture of her tibia during the women’s downhill event on Sunday and was airlifted to a hospital in Treviso. The injury will require multiple surgeries, bringing her Olympic comeback to an abrupt end.
In her first statement since the crash, Vonn said she has no regrets about returning to the Games.
“My Olympic dream did not end the way I hoped, but that is life,” Vonn wrote on Instagram. “Despite the pain, I have no regrets.”
She explained that the crash happened due to a small error in her racing line, saying the difference between a clean run and a serious injury in downhill skiing can be just a few inches. Vonn added that her past injuries did not contribute to the fall.
The 41-year-old crashed just seconds into her run and was forced to withdraw from the competition. The incident shocked fans and fellow athletes, with images showing her being transported by helicopter from the course.
Vonn had been attempting a remarkable comeback after retirement and was chasing her fourth Olympic medal. Despite tearing her ACL only days before the event, she chose to compete, calling the experience of standing in the Olympic starting gate “unforgettable.”
She said ski racing is a dangerous sport but one that reflects life itself—full of risks, dreams, and setbacks.
Vonn returned to competition this season in strong form, winning two downhill races and reaching the podium seven times in World Cup events, proving she could still compete at the highest level.
While her Olympic journey ended in disappointment, Vonn said the chance to race again on the sport’s biggest stage was a victory in itself.
Source: Yahoo Sports
Photo credit: Lindsay Vonn/Instagram
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