Lindsey Vonn Announces She Won’t Compete in Super-G Following Airlift from Course

Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn announced that she will not be participating in the World Cup super-G race on Saturday, January 31, due to her recent injury.

This news follows her being airlifted from the course just a day earlier after an accident, right before the Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, begin.

“Sadly, I won’t be racing today… wishing my teammates an excellent race 💪🏻 🇺🇸,” she shared on Instagram on Saturday, paired with a video showcasing Friday’s crash. “I truly appreciate all the love and support I’ve received. It means everything to me. I’m doing my best right now… 🙏🏻🤞🏻.”

Fellow Olympian Shaun White — who was recently seen snowboarding in Central Park, New York, following a weekend snowstorm — left a supportive comment on her post.

“YOU CAN DO THIS 💪,” commented White.

Vonn’s followers inundated her post with encouraging messages for the three-time Olympic medalist.

“We love you, Linds 💪❤️,” wrote author Amy Griffin, a close friend and firm supporter of Vonn.

“Sending healing vibes your way! ❤️,” added Olympic gold medalist skier Julia Mancuso.

At 41, Vonn is making her Olympic comeback after an eight-year hiatus from the Games. If deemed fit to compete in Milan, she is expected to be a strong contender for a gold medal in her event, leading the World Cup standings in downhill with two victories already this season.

Her accident occurred during the World Cup Race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, just a week ahead of the Opening Ceremonies. Her first Olympic event is set for Sunday, February 8.

After Vonn’s crash, the remainder of the race was canceled due to poor visibility and treacherous conditions. Three of the six skiers who ran before the race was halted also faced crashes, including Vonn.

France’s Romane Miradoli, who completed her run safely, stated that the course conditions were far from ideal.

“Visibility is poor and the terrain is bumpy everywhere,” she told reporters on Friday.

Following her crash, Vonn received on-course medical attention for roughly five minutes before making her way to the finish line.

She then entered the medical tent before being airlifted by helicopter.

While Vonn has experienced injuries before, they have never deterred her from competing in the past. After undergoing a partial knee replacement in 2024, she announced her return to the sport just months later.

This week, she mentioned, “I never imagined I would be racing again.”

“I fully retired and built an amazing life for myself,” she stated on the Today show on January 26. “This was never part of the plan.”

Despite her recent injury, Vonn remains determined to compete in the Olympics.

“I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee,” Vonn communicated via Instagram on Friday. “I’m discussing my situation with my doctors and team while undergoing further evaluations. This is a tough outcome just a week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to make a comeback.”

She added, “My Olympic dream is far from over. Thank you for all the love and support. I will share more information as I receive it. A huge thank you to all the medical personnel who helped me today. I am grateful for all the incredible assistance I received.”