Lindsey Vonn missed her first race one day after injuring her left knee in a disastrous high-speed crash on the slopes.
The 41-year-old was forced to pull out of the super-G at Crans-Montana in Switzerland on Saturday, breaking the news in an Instagram post that included video of her crash.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today. Wishing all my teammates a great race,” Vonn wrote in advance of the final competition before the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Thank you for all of the love and support I have received. Means the world to me.”
She added, “Doing my best right now…,” with praying hands and fingers crossed emojis.
Vonn was one of three competitors airlifted following crashes in snowy conditions during the World Cup race Friday, which served as a tune-up for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Cortina next week.
She is among the greatest skiers of all time, having won three Olympic medals, plus two Gold medals in the World Championships.
Vonn is the only American woman to win Olympic gold in downhill skiing.
Vonn, who was expected to compete in her fifth and final Olympic Games, has not closed the door on still doing so despite the injury.
“I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams, Vonn wrote in an Instagram post following the crash on Friday. “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. My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”
The scary scene unfoled when Vonn lost control on a turn and went airborne for a second before landing in the netting and getting tangled.
Vonn is slated to compete in the women’s downhill on Feb. 8, along with the SuperG and team combined event once the Olympics get underway, but all that is up in the air now.
She is attempting to make a comeback after retiring in 2019.
Vonn has dealt with numerous injuries in her career, including to both knees. She had “titanium pieces” placed in her right knee during a 2024 knee replacement surgery.
If her journey leads to her testing herself against the world’s best one more time, it remains to be seen.
