MILAN — Lindsey Vonn was injured just 13 seconds into her women’s downhill run Sunday and is now in stable condition, U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed.

The women’s downhill had been one of the most highly anticipated events of the Games, largely because of Vonn’s remarkable return to Olympic competition. The race marked her comeback from retirement in 2019 and followed closely on the heels of a torn ACL she suffered just over a week earlier. But her Olympic hopes ended almost as soon as they began.

Near the top of the course, Vonn’s pole and shoulder clipped a gate, spinning her sideways and sending her crashing off the track. Her skis caught in the snow, violently twisting both knees and leaving her motionless on the slope. According to the Associated Press, the mandatory airbag worn beneath her race suit deployed properly. Within 10 minutes, a rescue helicopter arrived, and after approximately 20 minutes, the competition resumed.

Vonn was airlifted to Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso. Hospital officials said she underwent orthopedic surgery later in the afternoon to stabilize a fracture in her left leg. She initially received treatment at Codivilla Putti Hospital in Cortina before being transferred to Treviso for surgery.

Although teammate Breezy Johnson captured the gold medal, the atmosphere in Cortina was subdued in the aftermath of Vonn’s crash.

At 41, Vonn entered the Games as one of Team USA’s most prominent and inspiring figures, celebrated for both her longevity and resilience. She retired following the 2018 Olympics after years of injuries left her unable to compete at the highest level. A partial knee replacement in 2024, however, reshaped her future, allowing her to return to elite competition and pursue another Olympic appearance.

She secured her place on the U.S. team with multiple podium finishes and two World Cup victories. Just days before the Games began, though, Vonn ruptured her left ACL while training in Switzerland. Despite the setback, she reaffirmed her intention to compete during a press conference earlier in the week and posted solid times in both of her training runs.

Her Olympic journey this time ended abruptly — but her determination and comeback story remain among the most compelling of the Games.