Winter Olympics: “Heartbreaking”: Vonn drama moves the sports world

“Nobody wants this end for Lindsey Vonn,” wrote the Swiss “Blick” and looked back on the 41-year-old’s glorious career under the title “Vonn’s life between heaven and hell”. Her fall caused spectators on the famous Olimpia delle Tofane slope in Cortina d’Ampezzo to “shudder,” reported “Corriere dello Sport” after Sunday’s tragedy.

Reports of surgery on left leg

Vonn fell early after a driving error on the descent, hit the slope heavily, was treated for a long time and was finally rescued by helicopter. The former speed queen was seriously injured in the accident. “Apparently it’s a fracture in the lower leg,” the US team’s speed coach, Alex Hödlmoser, told broadcaster SRF.

The Italian news agencies Ansa and Adnkronos reported a little later, citing the Treviso hospital, that Vonn had undergone surgery on his left leg there. There was initially no confirmation or further details from the Americans. The US ski team had previously only announced that the 2010 Olympic champion was injured but stable and was being cared for by American and Italian doctors.

Vonn really wanted to win another medal at the end of her career at the Winter Games in Italy and crown her highly acclaimed return. The long-time alpine dominator took part in the race even though, according to her own statements, she had suffered a torn cruciate ligament in her left knee just over a week ago. Instead of a happy ending, she experienced a sporting tragedy in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where she won more often than anyone else in the World Cup.