American ski legend Lindsey Vonn airlifted by helicopter to hospital after horror crash at the Winter Olympics (video)

Lindsey Vonn is reported to be in stable condition after a heavy crash during the women’s downhill final at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, an incident that brought her emotional Olympic comeback to a sudden end.
 

The American skier burst out of the starting gate but clipped a gate with her right arm just 13 seconds into her run, losing control and tumbling violently down the slope before coming to a stop. A hush fell over the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo as medical personnel rushed to her aid.
 

The three-time Olympic medalist was later airlifted from the Olimpia delle Tofane piste, with spectators standing in applause as she was taken away for treatment. She was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Treviso, according to reports.
 

The US Ski & Snowboard Team confirmed that Vonn had sustained an injury but said she was in stable condition and receiving care from a team of American and Italian doctors.

The crash marked a heartbreaking end to what had been a fairytale Olympic return for the 41-year-old, who entered the Games despite carrying a completely ruptured ACL from a recent accident on the World Cup circuit. Although her participation had been widely viewed as a major risk, Vonn had completed training runs and remained determined to compete.
 

After a lengthy delay following the incident, the women’s downhill event resumed, with Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson going on to claim Team USA’s first gold medal of the Games.
 

Concern now centres on the severity of Vonn’s injuries, with fellow athletes and fans expressing shock and sadness. Retired Olympic champion Tina Maze described the moment as devastating, noting the immense physical and emotional strain Vonn had endured in the build-up to the race.
 

Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, said the fall was frightening to watch but insisted the skiing icon would have no regrets about competing. She added that Vonn is known for giving everything to the sport, despite the risks involved.