With the Milano Cortina Olympics just around the corner, every move counts, but something unexpected just took place on the ice, and Lindsey Vonn’s name might be off the list.

The 41-year-old was competing in the final women's downhill World Cup race this Friday, January 30. Needless to say, things did not end well on the Swiss course.

Crans-Montana downhill was merciless, and Vonn became one of the victims, along with other competitors. She even posted the fastest first-checkpoint time in the race. However, while making a turn after an airborne, Vonn lost her balance and ended up tangled in the netting which hurt her knee severely.

After her crash, the 2010 Gold medallist received a short check-up before getting on her feet. But she had to use her skis for support to move around. The crash was severe for her left knee, and the rescue team had to airlift her afterwards for evacuation. Vonn was also supposed to compete in a super-G event on Saturday. But that does not seem feasible for now.

However, this has not crushed the five-time Olympian’s spirit. And she let the world know about that through an Instagram post on January 30.

"I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams. This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback," the 41-year-old wrote, "My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it."

While the information about her partaking in the Olympics remains unclear for now, Vonn has assured a comeback. However, she is not the only one whose Olympics campaign is under jeopardy due to an injury.

Katharina Liensberger Has Her Name off the 2026 Winter Games

On January 2, Australian skier Katharina Liensberger got injured on the ice. She was having a slalom training session in St. Michael/Lungau, Austria, when this crash happened.

Liensberger sustained a tibial plateau fracture, a torn meniscus, and a medial collateral ligament injury in her right knee. Despite having a successful surgery on the same day, the Australian had to take her name off the Winter Games.

However, Liensberger ruled out her name with a positive note. "Of course, it is a great challenge for me to miss the upcoming season highlights and especially the Olympic Games," she said, "I am being lovingly and competently cared for. The path to optimal healing is underway! I am optimistic."

So, the injuries come and go. But ultimately, it's all about holding up the spirit in the moment of adversity. Whether Vonn will face an outcome like Liensberger will be revealed with time. But both these skiers are optimistic about making a comeback.

Do you think we will see Lindsey Vonn competing in possibly her last Olympic Games on February 8? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Follow She Got Game for more.

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy