Lindsey Vonn, born in Vail, Colorado, has been a notable athlete for the U.S. Alpine Ski Team since 2002. Throughout her career, she has been the only American woman to win gold in an Olympic downhill race. Additionally, she has earned 82 World Cup victories, 138 World Cup podiums, 20 World Cup crystal globe titles, and 7 World Championship medals.
While Vonn is clearly a decorated athlete, her career has also had many highs and lows. Over her 21 years on the team, Vonn has injured her ankle, tibia, ACL, arm, knee, and meniscus. Despite facing many brutal injuries and surgeries, Lindsey Vonn is widely known for her resilience.
Vonn’s resilience has been shown through many moments in her life. One of the most significant occurred just a week ago in Cranz-Montana, Switzerland where she was airlifted from the racecourse. Vonn suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.
Just 9 days later, Vonn continued her plan to race in the 2026 Olympic Games in Cortina after not competing in the Olympics since 2018. Her presence was a symbol of perseverance and a refusal to let injuries end her career. Vonn wanted to win because she knew there was still a chance and because she believed in that chance, she did not give up on her Olympic dream.
Libby Rogers, a Hingham High School senior and ski team captain, explains that “skiing on an injured knee is already risky, and Lindsey acknowledging that risk but still pushing for her goals shows her resilience and passion. Nothing can stop her.”
Vonn arrived at the Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo with optimism. After placing in the top ten during training runs, she had high hopes going into her downhill race.
Emily Kiernan, another senior ski team captain for Hingham High School, describes the feeling of being in the start gate as “scary and intimidating, especially when the course is fast and icy. However, when you get to the bottom and feel good about your run, it is one of the best feelings ever and makes all the emotions worth it.” In the start gate, Lindsey Vonn was hoping for just that outcome.
13 seconds into her downhill race, her right arm clipped a gate while skiing at full speed. The gate hooked her body mid air. Vonn landed powerfully on her side with her injured knee in an awkward, painful, and twisted position.
The crowd could hear her screaming for help and sympathized with her pain. Breezy Johnson, a fellow teammate of Vonn, covered her eyes in shock. Vonn’s family watched in stunned silence. Shortly after her crash, a helicopter arrived and airlifted Lindsey off the course.
Lindsey Vonn spoke out today on social media, reminding her fans that setbacks like these happen, and they are simply a part of life. Vonn’s resilience in her past 20+ years with the U.S. alpine ski team symbolizes her love for skiing and her refusal to give up on her dreams.
