Lindsey Vonn's Olympic Crash Ends Medal Hopes

Photos capture the star skier's training and dramatic fall at the Winter Games

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Lindsey Vonn, a 41-year-old Olympic legend, came to the Winter Games in Milan with high hopes despite a recent ACL tear in her left knee. But her chances of winning a medal ended in a dramatic crash during the women's downhill event, as captured in a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Why it matters

Vonn is one of the most celebrated and accomplished alpine skiers of all time, with multiple Olympic medals and World Cup titles. Her participation in the Games at 41, just a week after a serious knee injury, had generated significant media attention and fan interest. Her crash was a disappointing end to her Olympic career.

The details

The photo gallery shows Vonn training and preparing for the downhill event in Cortina, as well as the dramatic moment when she lost control and crashed on the course, ending her chances of winning a medal at these Olympics.

  • Vonn tore her ACL in her left knee just a week before the Olympics.
  • The women's downhill event where Vonn crashed took place on Sunday.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old American alpine skier who is considered one of the greatest of all time, with multiple Olympic medals and World Cup titles.

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The takeaway

Despite her age and recent injury, Vonn's participation in the Olympics had generated significant excitement and interest. Her dramatic crash serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by elite athletes, even at the pinnacle of their careers.