The atmosphere at the start of the women’s downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo was electric and charged with anticipation for one of the most remarkable comebacks in Olympic history. 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn had battled back from nearly six years of retirement and was set to compete at her fifth Games despite suffering from a complete ACL rupture. But at the time, what looked like a glorious Olympic comeback turned into a painful realization.

With Bib No. 13 on her back, Vonn pushed out of the gate on the iconic Olympia delle Tofane course under perfect bluebird skies. However, her run was over in a devastating flash. Seconds after starting, before even reaching the first course marker, Vonn lost control and crashed hard. She lay motionless and screamed in pain on the slope as the stunned crowd in Cortina fell silent. So, what really happened?

At the very top of the Olympia delle Tofane course, the 41-year-old’s skis clipped an early gate while she was in the air. This turned out to be the catalyst behind her devastating crash, as she fell off her line directly on the snow. The speed and force of the crash were sickeningly clear in the slow-motion replays that soon played for a horrified crowd.

However, the medical personnel were quick to her rescue while she was heard shouting, “I can’t feel.” For over ten minutes, the race was paused as Vonn received urgent treatment on the snow, unable to move from where she had fallen.

Eventually, a rescue helicopter was summoned to airlift her from the mountain, which is the fastest and safest way to transport an athlete with a suspected severe injury. The event then resumed following a lengthy delay, but the atmosphere remained the same with prayers pouring in for the American skier. This particular crash came after she had to defend herself from several critics online.

Lindsey Vonn counters critics’ opinion

“I’m sorry Greg but this is a very odd opinion piece. The pain and suffering is the point? I’m searching for meaning? Why am I taking risk ‘at my age?’ This ageism stuff is getting really old,” Lindsey Vonn replied to USA Today’s Greg Graber, who wondered why she would risk “long-term physical repercussions” to compete when she was “way past” her prime.

The 41-year-old confirmed her feelings regarding this disrespectful comment, stating, “My life does not revolve around ski racing. I am a woman that loves to ski. I don’t have an identity issue, I know exactly who I am. I was retired for 6 years and I have an amazing life. I don’t need to ski, but I love to ski. I came all this way for one final Olympics and I’m going to go and do my best, ACL or no. It’s as simple as that. And respectfully, if you don’t know the story, it might be best not to make assumptions.”

Prior to Milano Cortina, Vonn had been to the Olympics four times. She has already achieved enough Olympic glory but always wanted to push herself beyond her limits. While the crash in Crans-Montana on January 30 put a big question mark on her Games’ hopes, she didn’t flinch and still competed.

Answering a doctor on social media, she stated, “lol thanks doc. My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.” This statement confirmed the depth of her condition. However, she still went to the Games with her ambitions undeterred, but fate had something else planned for the American skier.