Lindsey Vonn crashed in the women's downhill competition at the Winter Olympics as fellow American Breezy Johnson won an emotional gold in Cortina.
Vonn, 41, was competing nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate on her first jump left her off balance, and her dreams of winning a medal in what she said will be her final Olympic downhill were over.
She had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic Olimpia delle Tofane course but was airlifted from the piste after receiving lengthy medical attention.
World champion Johnson was in tears as her gold medal was confirmed after she clocked a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds.
The 30-year-old watched on a big screen at the finish line, head in hands as her teammate crashed, having completed her run earlier in sixth while Vonn was the 13th to go.
Germany's Emma Aicher narrowly missed medal contention, missing silver by 0.04 seconds, while Italy's Sofia Goggia secured bronze.
Vonn, known for her daring spirit, took a significant risk by skiing on Sunday after her ACL injury, determined to perform in her favorite event. Though she had previously expressed confidence post her injury, the harsh reality of competition took its toll on her body.
As spectators applauded her airlift away from the piste that once heralded her success, it raises doubts about her future in competitive skiing, following a career riddled with injuries. Vonn's eventual retirement decision seems imminent, overshadowed by this unfortunate incident.
Vonn had openly acknowledged the dangers yet hoped to mirror her past Olympic triumphs, making her crash a stark reminder of the sport's brutality. The moment brought an emotional reaction from fellow athletes and commentators alike, marking a significant point in Olympic history.
While Johnson's victory was a triumphant highlight, the day was marred by the sight of an injured Vonn, leaving a cloud over the festivities for many of her fans and supporters.
