APTOPIX Milan Cortina Olympics Alpine Skiing
United States' Lindsey Vonn crashes into a gate during an alpine ski women's downhill race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
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Lindsey Vonn's crash in the Olympic downhill has sparked debate over whether she should have raced with a severely injured knee. Nine days before the crash, Vonn revealed she had a ruptured ACL, an injury that typically sidelines athletes for months. Despite this, she decided to compete after consulting with her medical team. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) president, Johan Eliasch, says the decision should be left to the athlete. Vonn underwent surgery for a broken leg after the crash. Many in the skiing community support her choice, emphasizing personal responsibility in the sport.
