During the women's downhill skiing final on 8/2, Vonn lost control approximately 30 seconds after leaving the starting gate. The 41-year-old athlete hit a course marker with her right shoulder, then tumbled down the slope, landing on her back with her skis tangled. Vonn screamed in pain as medical personnel rushed to her aid.

A suffocating silence enveloped the Olimpia delle Tofane competition area in Cortina. Vonn lay motionless, receiving care and stabilization before a helicopter airlifted her from the mountain range. This marked the second time in nine days that Vonn required helicopter rescue.

Vonn had an accident during the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Milan, Italy, on 8/2. Photo: Reuters.

After initial treatment at a clinic in Cortina, Vonn was transferred to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso. The American athlete underwent orthopedic surgery to stabilize a fracture in her left leg. Her condition is now stable.

Her father, Alan Kildow, was in the stands and watched in stunned silence as his daughter suffered the horrific fall. The crowd, including rapper Snoop Dogg, also watched in shock as Vonn was taken off the course.

Vonn is known as the 'Snow Queen' and is considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. She won four World Cup overall titles (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012), including three consecutive seasons. She also secured a gold medal in the downhill event at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, marking the first Olympic title for US women's skiing.

Vonn at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Milan, Italy, on 8/2. Photo: Reuters.

Vonn also holds the record for eight World Cup season titles in the downhill event and had accumulated a total of 82 World Cup victories when she retired in 2019. At that time, Vonn announced her retirement due to age and injuries, which resulted in a portion of her right knee joint being replaced with titanium. However, Vonn returned to competition in 11/2024 with the goal of winning a second Olympic gold medal.

Vonn surprised experts by maintaining peak performance, becoming a top contender in the downhill event and leading the World Cup rankings. However, just nine days before the Winter Olympics in Italy, Vonn suffered a serious accident at a competition in Switzerland, resulting in a complete tear of her left anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage.

Despite her determination to compete, Vonn's final Olympic appearance ended in painful fashion. The Olimpia delle Tofane course, where she achieved much glory with 12 World Cup victories, earned her the nickname 'Queen of Cortina'.

Regarding her personal life, Vonn married former skier Thomas Vonn in 2007, divorcing in 2013. She subsequently had several relationships, including a high-profile romance lasting more than two years with legendary golfer Tiger Woods.

Vy Anh