What's happened
Lindsey Vonn suffered a potentially career-ending leg injury after crashing in the women's downhill. Her teammate Bella Wright also lost control in the same spot but avoided injury. The incidents highlight the dangers of the course, especially around gate four, where both crashes occurred.
What's behind the headline?
The crashes at gate four reveal the inherent risks of high-speed alpine skiing, especially in technical sections that demand precision. Vonn's injury underscores the dangers athletes face when pushing limits, and Wright's near-miss illustrates how course design can influence safety. The fact that both crashes occurred in the same spot suggests that this section may require review for safety improvements. Johnson's ability to avoid injury despite losing control highlights the importance of experience and composure in such moments. Moving forward, course modifications or increased safety measures could reduce the likelihood of similar accidents, but the inherent danger of the sport will persist. These incidents may also impact athlete confidence and the overall perception of safety at the Games, prompting organizers to reassess risk management strategies.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Vonn's crash was potentially career-ending, emphasizing the severity of her injury and her attempt to defend her 2010 Olympic gold. AP News highlights that Wright's crash was a result of aggressive racing, aiming to recover from her previous poor performance, and notes her safe descent despite losing control. Both articles point to gate four as a particularly hazardous section of the course, with Johnson's comments about the bumpiness reinforcing this. The coverage underscores the physical risks athletes face and the ongoing challenge of balancing speed with safety in Olympic alpine skiing.
How we got here
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have seen intense competition in alpine skiing. Lindsey Vonn, a legendary American skier, was attempting to defend her gold from 2010 but crashed early in her downhill run, suffering a fractured tibia. Her teammate Bella Wright aimed to improve on her previous 21st-place finish and tried a more aggressive line, which led to her losing balance near the same challenging gate. The course's difficult section around gate four has been notorious for causing accidents, including Vonn's recent injury and past incidents involving other skiers like Breezy Johnson.
Go deeper
- What safety measures are in place for Olympic downhill courses?
- How might this impact Lindsey Vonn's career and future competitions?
- Will the course be modified after these crashes?
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Lindsey Caroline Vonn (née Kildow ; born October 18, 1984) is an American alpine ski racer. She won four World Cup overall championships with titles in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. Vonn won the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, the first
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Breanna Noble "Breezy" Johnson is an American World Cup alpine ski racer on the U.S. Ski Team. She competes in the speed events of downhill and super-G.
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