Lindsey Vonn Crashes, Injures Knee Ahead of Winter Olympics Return

Ski legend airlifted after accident in Switzerland, Olympic participation uncertain one week before Milan Cortina Games

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn crashed during her final World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just one week before the start of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Vonn lost control landing a jump, became entangled in safety nets, and was airlifted by helicopter for further medical evaluation, leaving her Olympic participation uncertain.

Why it matters

Vonn's return from retirement has been one of the marquee storylines for the U.S. Olympic team heading into the Games, as she joins fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin as the headliners for the alpine skiing squad. Her potential absence could significantly impact Olympic coverage by network broadcasters who had featured her comeback narrative prominently in promotional coverage.

The details

Vonn, 41, crashed during her final World Cup downhill race on Friday, losing control on a landing and becoming entangled in safety nets. She received medical attention for five minutes before skiing gingerly to the finish line, visibly favoring her left knee. The race was canceled due to poor visibility following Vonn's accident.

  • Vonn crashed on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old American Olympic skier who is attempting a comeback after retiring in 2019 and undergoing a partial knee replacement. She ranks second all-time in World Cup victories with 84 wins.

Mikaela Shiffrin

An American alpine skier who holds the record for most World Cup victories with 108 wins. She is considered a headliner for the U.S. Olympic team alongside Vonn.

Urs Lehmann

The CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, who spoke about Vonn's injury.

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What they’re saying

“I know she hurt her knee, I talked to her. I don't know if it's really heavy and [if] she won't miss the Olympics.”

— Urs Lehmann, CEO, International Ski and Snowboard Federation

“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 combeback.”

— Lindsey Vonn

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Vonn's crash and potential Olympic absence highlights the risks and challenges of elite-level skiing, especially for veteran athletes attempting comebacks. Her story will continue to be a major focus of Olympic coverage and speculation in the lead-up to the Games.