Lindsey Vonn Crashes Early in Olympic Downhill Race Despite Prior Injury

In Brief

Lindsey Vonn crashed seconds into her Olympic downhill race after completing a final training run with a torn ACL.

Key Facts

• Lindsey Vonn crashed seconds into her downhill race at the Milan Olympics on Sunday morning
• Vonn had a pre-existing torn ACL before the race
• She completed her final training run ahead of the Olympic race despite her injury
• During the crash, Vonn landed a jump perpendicular to the slope and tumbled to a stop shortly below
• The crash occurred near the top of the downhill course in Cortina

What Happened

Lindsey Vonn, a legendary downhill skier with a torn ACL, crashed seconds into her Olympic downhill race on Sunday morning. The crash happened near the top of the course in Cortina when she landed a jump perpendicular to the slope and tumbled to a stop shortly below. Prior to the race, Vonn had completed her final training run despite her injury.

Why It Matters

Vonn's crash demonstrates the physical challenges athletes face when competing with injuries. It also illustrates the risks involved in downhill skiing on Olympic courses. The event is notable given Vonn's status as a prominent athlete in the sport.