As snowstorms battered the Swiss Alps, Winter Olympics anticipation turned to concern when skiing legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a terrifying crash just a week before the Games kick off.
The 41-year-old American star was competing in her final Alpine Skiing World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, when disaster struck.
The Crash That Stopped Everyone
Vonn lost control after landing a jump, skidding violently into the safety netting in front of anxious spectators and race officials.
Despite the painful impact, she managed to stand up after a brief five-minute medical assessment, leaning on her poles and wincing as she slowly made her way down the slope.
She even paused a few times before reaching the finish line, clutching her left knee in obvious discomfort.
A Legendary Career on the Line
Few athletes have achieved what Vonn has in her career.
With four World Cup overall championships to her name, she is the second-ranked skier in the women’s super ranking and has been one of the top favorites for the Olympic downhill event.
Her presence on the slopes has been a highlight of the season, where she has dominated despite skiing with a partial titanium implant in her right knee.
Conditions Raise Alarms
The relentless snowfall forced race organizers to cancel the World Cup event after Vonn’s accident.
Fellow skier Romane Miradoli from France highlighted the dangerous conditions: “You can’t see, and it’s bumpy everywhere. We just couldn’t see well.”
Miradoli was among the few skiers to finish her run safely.
What the Experts Are Saying
International Ski and Snowboard Federation CEO Urs Lehmann addressed the media, confirming Vonn’s injury: “I know she hurt her knee, I talked to her.
I don’t know if it’s serious enough for her to miss the Olympics. Let’s wait for what the doctors are saying.”
A Remarkable Comeback Interrupted
Vonn’s story this season has been nothing short of inspiring.
After almost six years away from competitive skiing, she returned at age 40 and quickly became a force to be reckoned with.
Competing in eight World Cup races this season—including super-G events—she reached the podium seven times, with two victories and three additional top-three finishes.
Her lowest finish? Fourth place.
Looking Ahead
With the Winter Olympics just days away, the big question is whether Vonn will be ready to compete.
Fans and fellow athletes alike are holding their breath, hoping that one of skiing’s greatest champions can bounce back from this terrifying setback.
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