US skiing legend Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after crashing in the women’s downhill alpine skiing final at the Winter Olympics, and the BBC later provided an update on her condition

A mountain rescue helicopter is seen rescuing Lindsey Vonn of Team United States after she crashed during the Women's Downhill on day two of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

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Lindsey Vonn was airlifted off the mountain following a crash in the Winter Olympics. (Image: Al Bello/Getty Images)

An update has emerged regarding Winter Olympics icon Lindsey Vonn’s condition following a dramatic crash during the women’s downhill alpine skiing final, with the nearest hospital unlikley to be able to treat her needs. The American tumbled out of the competition near the top of the course and required an air ambulance to hospital.

 

Vonn’s participation in the games had been seriously in doubt after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during another crash just days before the event began. Yet she mounted a remarkable recovery, successfully completing training runs in the lead-up to the final.

 

The 41-year-old was competing without the anterior cruciate ligament and wearing a knee brace.

She was the 13th competitor down the mountain, but came off early in her run, with the competition halted for approximately 20 minutes whilst she received medical attention, during which her cries of pain could be heard.

Speaking on BBC just before midday, former British skier Chemmy Alcott, who was visibly emotional about the incident, said: “I was just speaking to Enrica Cipriani who is part of the ‘Team Vonn’, actually one of the photos I think I sent you guys was one of her sitting on the chair lift with Lindsey this morning when we all thought this was going to end in a fairytale..

“She said the good news is that Lindsey Vonn’s doctor, who did her knee, was here on the hill and was able to get in that helicopter with her.

“They are currently in Cortina, the helicopter landed.

“But she won’t be going to the local hospital, it can’t deliver on what she needs. Likely she’ll be going over to Innsbruck.

Lindsey Vonn was left motionless and screaming as medics rushed to help her

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Lindsey Vonn was left motionless and screaming as medics rushed to help her

“But even Enrica didn’t have an update, very hard to be part of that team who have sacrificed everything.

“Her husband Chris Knight is Lindsey Vonn’s coach, so she’s just trying to keep it together and deal with what can be handled.”

Shortly after Vonn’s accident, Andorra’s Cande Moreno also crashed. She was treated by medics before being airlifted from the mountain by helicopter.

The competition concluded with Vonn’s American team-mate Breezy Johnson topping the standings, followed by Germany’s Emma Aicher in second and Italy’s Sofia Goggia in third.