Lindsey Vonn's Olympic Dream Ends in Horror Crash, Father Declares Career Over
Lindsey Vonn's bid for an age-defying comeback at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics ended in a devastating crash, resulting in a broken leg and her father declaring it the end of her storied career. The 41-year-old American skiing legend was airlifted from the slopes after the incident during Sunday's downhill race, where she suffered a complex tibia fracture. This injury came just nine days after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), though Vonn insists the previous issue did not cause the crash.
Vonn's Condition and Response
Following emergency surgery, US officials confirmed Vonn is in a stable condition. From her hospital bed, Vonn posted an emotional message on Instagram, expressing no regrets about competing. She described the crash as a result of being "five inches too tight on my line," which caused her arm to hook a gate. Vonn emphasised that life involves taking risks, stating, "I tried. I dreamt. I jumped." Her message has resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting her resilience and courage.
Debate Over Competing with Injury
The decision to allow Vonn to race despite her recent ACL injury has sparked significant debate. Pierre Ducrey, the International Olympic Committee's sports director, defended the choice, noting it was hers and her team's to make. He acknowledged the unfortunate outcome but stressed that athletes often face such risks in high-stakes sports. However, critics, including Italian ski great Alberto Tomba, argue that Vonn made a critical mistake by racing at Crans-Montana last month, which led to a chain of risks culminating in the ACL tear and subsequent crash.
Family and Career Implications
Vonn's father, Alan Kildow, has been vocal about the incident, telling The Associated Press that this should mark the end of her career. He emphasised her age and the severity of the injuries, stating, "There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it." This adds to Vonn's long history of injuries, which includes multiple fractures and ligament tears over her decorated career. The crash has been described as a "one in 1000" accident, underscoring the unpredictable nature of alpine skiing.
Team GB's Medal Hopes and Olympic Updates
Meanwhile, at the Winter Olympics, Team GB continues to seek its first medal. After a disappointing "Magic Monday" where British athletes fell short in events like freeski slopestyle and mixed doubles curling, hopes now rest on a bronze medal chance in curling this afternoon. Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds will face Italy in a tense match, aiming to break Britain's medal drought in the mixed doubles event. Other highlights for Tuesday include:
- Alpine skiing's women's team combined, featuring stars like Mikaela Shiffrin.
- Multiple gold medal events in biathlon, cross-country skiing, and figure skating.
- Freestyle skiing finals and ice hockey preliminary rounds.
As the Olympics progress, Vonn's crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers elite athletes face in pursuit of their dreams, while Team GB looks to turn its fortunes around on the slopes and ice.
