The stage was set for a fairytale ending to Lindsey Vonn’s career, but fate, as is so often the case, had other ideas.

The US Olympic medal hopeful had the courage and determination to hit the slope on Sunday, February 8 despite having suffered a ruptured ACL days earlier. At 41 years old, the legendary skier set out to upset the odds and achieve a swan song in keeping with her outstanding career.

Tragically – and much to the horror of viewers – Vonn clipped a gate seconds after starting, suffering a “catastrophic injury”.

The two-time world champion could be heard screaming in pain as she slid across the course. She was promptly airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where she underwent surgery for a broken leg.

The crowd in attendance at the Cortina d’Ampezzo could be heard audibly gasping as the crash unfolded. Officials later confirmed that her condition is stable.

The Olympic Games quickly issued a statement reading: “An Olympic champion, always. Wishing all the best to Lindsey.”

Team USA, meanwhile, posted: “Lindsey Vonn’s legacy is forever part of Team USA.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Vonn’s sister, Karin Kildow, gave a heartbreaking update.

“I mean that definitely was the last thing we wanted to see and it happened quick and when that happens, you’re just immediately hoping she’s okay,” Karin told NBC after her sister was transported to hospital.

“It was scary because when you start to see the stretchers being put out, it’s not a good sign,” she added. “We just really hope she’s okay.”

Vonn’s team later confirmed that the 41-year-old is currently ‘in a stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians.’

As mentioned above, Vonn, widely regarded as one of the best alpine skiers in US history, was compromised going into Sunday’s race. She formerly retired in 2019 as the most decorated female alpine skier in history, but announced in 2024 that she was planning on making a return with a new replacement knee.

Speaking prior to this weekend’s accident, she said: “I will stand in the starting gate tomorrow and know I am strong. Know that I believe in myself.

“Know that the odds are stacked against me with my age, no ACL, and a titanium knee – but know that I still believe.”

She added: “And usually, when the odds are stacked against me the most, I pull the best of what’s inside me out.

“I will race tomorrow in my final Olympic Downhill and while I can’t guarantee a good result, I can guarantee I will give it everything I have… no matter what happens, I have already won.”