Vonn’s catastrophic crash a truly chilling Winter Olympics moment

On Sunday, skiing great Lindsey Vonn was left lying in agony on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, crying out in anguish after losing her balance and falling, having only just left the starting gate in the women’s downhill. Vonn’s crash will be one of the enduring images of these Winter Games. That’s sport. Glory and heartbreak.

Should Vonn have taken the risk?

Vonn, a competitor who shares alpine skiing’s Mount Olympus with fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin, will now ignite debate. Was it reckless to launch herself at more than 100 km/h with a torn ACL in her left knee? Was it reckless to return to competition after her right knee had been rebuilt with titanium? Quite possibly, yes.

In recent days, orthopedic specialists had weighed in. Some said that, depending on the condition of the rest of the joint, she could give it a go. Others insisted it was pure madness to even attempt it - that the consequences of another fall could be catastrophic. Not only for the knee injured in Crans‑Montana, but for the reconstructed one as well.

A gamble that didn’t pay off

Vonn risked her future not only as an elite athlete, but perhaps even her long‑term ability to live a normal life. She chose to bet against all odds - and she lost. She listened, evaluated, and made a decision. Her decision.

The 41-year-old’s extraordinary story of resilience lacked only its final chapter: seeing her once more on an Olympic podium. She deserved it, of course, but reason ultimately proved stronger than desire.

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