CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn said she would make it to the Olympic downhill starting gate despite rupturing the most important ligament in her knee nine days ago, and she did. Within minutes, a helicopter could be heard flying up the mountain as medics tended to Vonn in the middle of the slope. Johnson said her “heart aches” for Vonn and said she was honored to be the next in line for a downhill triumph. A helicopter arrives to airlift Lindsey Vonn off the mountain in Cortina d’Ampezzo after Sunday’s crash in the Olympic women’s downhill. Svindal had said Friday he had no doubt that Vonn would be ready mentally and physically come race time.

Source: International New York Times February 08, 2026 17:12 UTC