02/08/26 05:30:00
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02/08 05:28 CST Lindsey Vonn crashes early in Olympic downhill, taken off the
mountain in a helicopter
Lindsey Vonn crashes early in Olympic downhill, taken off the mountain in a
helicopter
By ANDREW DAMPF and PAT GRAHAM
AP Sports Writers
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) --- Lindsey Vonn, racing on a badly injured left
knee, crashed early in the Olympic downhill Sunday and was taken off the course
in a helicopter after the 41-year-old American received medical attention for
several minutes.
Vonn lost control over the opening traverse after cutting the line too tight
and was spun around in the air. She was heard screaming out after the crash as
she was surrounded by medical personnel. She was strapped to a gurney and flown
away by a helicopter --- possibly ending the skier's storied career.
The race was put on hold as she received treatment. Vonn's teammate, Breezy
Johnson, held the early lead.
Vonn had family in the stands, including her father, Alan Kildow, who stared
down at the ground while his daughter received medical attention.
All eyes were on Vonn, the feel-good story heading into the Olympics. She
returned to elite ski racing last season after nearly six years away from the
circuit. On a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee, too. Her
surgery in April 2024 left her feeling so good that she decided to give it a go
for another Olympics appearance.
She stunned everyone by being a contender almost immediately. She is leading
the World Cup downhill standings and was a gold-medal favorite before her crash
in Switzerland last week when she suffered her latest knee injury. In addition
to a ruptured ACL, she also had a bone bruise and meniscus damage.
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
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