Lindsey Vonn Crash & Breezy Johnson Wins Olympic Downhill 2026

The alpine skiing world witnessed a dramatic turn of events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, as American veteran Lindsey Vonn suffered a fall during the women’s downhill race. The 41-year-old racer was transported from the slope via helicopter following the incident, occurring early in the course after the first few gates.

A Veteran’s Run Interrupted

Vonn, competing with a pre-existing injury – a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee – was unable to complete the course. The race was temporarily halted following her fall. At the time of the interruption, another American skier, Breezy Johnson, held the leading position.

Dominance Leading Up to the Games

Prior to the Olympic competition, Vonn had consistently achieved podium finishes in every World Cup downhill race this season. She secured two victories and held the top ranking in the discipline. This strong performance underscored her continued skill and determination despite her recent injury.

Did You Know? Lindsey Vonn holds 45 World Cup victories in downhill skiing, making her the most successful racer in the history of the discipline.

A Champion Emerges

Following the restart, Breezy Johnson ultimately claimed the gold medal, finishing the course in 1:36.10. She edged out Germany’s Emma Aicher by a mere four hundredths of a second. Italy’s Sofia Goggia secured the bronze medal.

Vonn’s Remarkable Return

Vonn’s participation in the games was itself a remarkable story. Her original career concluded in 2019 due to persistent health issues. However, she underwent surgery in 2024, receiving a partial titanium knee replacement. She remarkably returned to competitive skiing in December 2024 at the age of 40, achieving eight podium finishes since then.

Expert Insight: Vonn’s decision to compete with a known ACL injury highlights the immense physical and mental fortitude required at the elite level of professional sports. Her return to competition after a significant injury and surgery demonstrates a dedication rarely seen, and underscores the risks athletes take to pursue their goals.

Past Olympic Success

Vonn’s Olympic history includes a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games, along with a bronze in super-G at the same event. She also earned a bronze medal in downhill at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

No Slovak Representation

The Slovakian team did not have any athletes competing in the 36-person downhill field.

Johnson’s First Olympic Medal

This victory marks Breezy Johnson’s first Olympic medal. The 30-year-old made her Olympic debut at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, finishing 7th in downhill and 14th in super-G.

Results

Breezy Johnson (USA) 1:36,10 min.
Emma Aicher (Nem.) +0,04 s
Sofia Goggia (Tal.) +0,59
Jacqueline Wiles (USA)
Cornelia Hütter (Rak.) obe +0,86
Laura Pirovano (Tal.) +0,94
Kajsa Vickhoff Lie (Nór.) +0,98
Ariane Rädler (Rak.) +1,10
Kira Weidle-Winkelmann (Nem.) +1,16
Federica Brignone (Tal.) +1,19

(n, olympics)

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Lindsey Vonn during the downhill race?

Lindsey Vonn fell early in the course after the first few gates and was transported from the slope via helicopter.

Who won the gold medal in the women’s downhill?

Breezy Johnson of the United States won the gold medal, finishing with a time of 1:36.10.

What is Lindsey Vonn’s history with knee injuries?

Lindsey Vonn was competing with a torn ACL and had previously undergone surgery in 2024, receiving a partial titanium knee replacement.

Given Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable career and recent return to competition, what might her next steps be regarding her athletic future?