Vonn Withdraws from Super-G Ahead of Olympics

Lindsey Vonn withdrew from Saturday’s World Cup super-G race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, following a crash during Friday’s downhill event at the same location. Her participation in the upcoming Winter Olympics remains uncertain.

Vonn fell early in Friday’s downhill race, crashing into the netting and remaining there for several minutes before receiving assistance. She was observed favoring her left leg and appeared to be in discomfort.

Injury and Olympic Status

Vonn posted on Instagram regarding her withdrawal from Saturday’s race, stating she was “wishing all my teammates a great race.” Her Olympic dream, she previously stated, is “not over,” but Saturday’s post offered no significant update on her Olympic prospects. Coach Chris Knight indicated she is “preparing for Cortina.”

Race Conditions and Other Competitors

Only six racers attempted Friday’s downhill, which was subsequently canceled due to poor visibility and conditions following Vonn’s fall. Three racers crashed, including another in the same corner where Vonn fell. Saturday’s super-G, held in clear conditions, also saw Germany’s Emma Aicher crash in that same turn.

Saturday’s Super-G Results

Switzerland’s Malorie Blanc secured her first World Cup victory in Saturday’s super-G, finishing ahead of Italy’s Sofia Goggia, who took second place. American Breezy Johnson achieved her first career World Cup super-G podium, finishing third. The race was held in Crans-Montana, a town recently impacted by a New Year’s fire that resulted in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries; racers wore black armbands in remembrance of the victims.

Vonn’s Recent Career

After retiring in 2019 due to injuries, Vonn returned to Alpine skiing in November 2024 following a knee replacement. She made her World Cup return in December and quickly re-established herself as a top speed skier, earning three top-10 finishes and a podium at the World Cup finals. This season, she has won two downhills, including the season opener in St. Moritz, and has finished in the top four in all eight of her completed World Cup races.

Future Plans and Records

Vonn, with 84 career World Cup wins, is third on the all-time list behind Mikaela Shiffrin and Ingemar Stenmark. Her initial plan was to retire after the Olympics, but her recent success has led her to consider extending her career to pursue a final crystal globe. She is currently leading the World Cup downhill standings and has 20 career globes, including four overall titles and eight in downhill. Three more World Cup stops are scheduled after the Olympics.

Betting Odds and Response

A prediction market account on X noted that Vonn’s crash significantly altered betting odds for the Olympic speed races, stating “physics had the final say.” Vonn responded on X, asserting, “No, I have the final say.”

A men’s downhill is scheduled for Sunday in Crans-Montana, marking the final pre-Olympic Alpine skiing event.