Lindsey Vonn has never needed another chapter to validate her legacy.
She’s already one of the most decorated skiers in history, a World Cup champion dozens of times over, an Olympic gold medalist and a global ambassador for her sport. However, what unfolded Sunday at the Milan-Cortina Games may force a difficult pivot.
Vonn was racing on a severely injured left knee and crashed early in the Olympic downhill and was airlifted from the course after receiving medical attention for several minutes.
The 41-year-old lost control after cutting her line too tight on the opening traverse, spinning violently before coming to rest. She could be heard screaming as medical personnel surrounded her. It was a chilling scene that immediately silenced what had been a celebratory crowd.
The American was scheduled to race again Thursday in the super-G, though that now appears uncertain. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team later confirmed Vonn was in stable condition and under the care of American and Italian physicians.
The crash puts a harsh spotlight on the risks Vonn willingly accepted to chase one last Olympic moment. She first retired in 2019 after years of surgeries and setbacks, only to announce a comeback in late 2024. Her appearance in Italy came 24 years after her Olympic debut in Salt Lake City and 16 years after her final gold medal in Vancouver.
At this stage, Vonn’s future likely belongs away from competition. A second retirement does not have to mean leaving the sport behind. College coaching could offer a natural next step, one that preserves her connection to skiing while protecting her long-term health.
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Her mental toughness and experience navigating injuries would be invaluable in a collegiate environment. Much like elite athletes in other sports who have transitioned into coaching roles, Vonn could shape the next generation without subjecting her body to further punishment.
Vonn has poured everything into downhill racing. Sunday’s crash may have ended her pursuit of another medal, but it does not have to end her impact on the sport.