Lindsey Vonn airlifted after Switzerland crash, injures left knee before Olympics

Lindsey Vonn, 41, crashed in a downhill World Cup event in Switzerland on Jan. 30, 2026, and was airlifted by helicopter a week before the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin. "I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee," Vonn said in a statement posted to her Instagram account on Friday.

"I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams. This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics... but if there's one thing I know how to do, it's a comeback." NBC News reported that Vonn lost control as she was landing a jump while experiencing low visibility and got tangled in the safety nets on the course's upper portion.

She was seen limping and trying to keep weight off her left knee, limped into a tent for medical attention, and was later airlifted by helicopter while dangling from a rope. The three-time Olympic medalist had been poised to make a comeback at the Games after retiring. The first Olympic race Vonn was scheduled for is the women's downhill on Sunday, February 8; she was also expected to compete in the super-G and the team combined event.

Vonn thanked medical workers and supporters in her statement and said, "My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support.

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