Lindsey Vonn’s Father Hopes Olympic Crash Marks End of Skiing Career
MILAN, Italy — Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a harrowing crash during the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, breaking her leg and prompting an emergency airlift from the mountain. The 41-year-old athlete’s father, Alan Kildow, spoke publicly on Monday, expressing hope that the accident will mark the end of her competitive career. “She’s 41 years old and this is the end of her career,” Kildow told The Associated Press. “There will be no more ski races for Lindsey Vonn, as long as I have anything to say about it.”
Vonn, a decorated alpine skier and Olympic gold medalist, crashed in the first sector of the downhill course, one of the fastest and most dangerous events in the Winter Olympics. The injury was severe enough to require immediate medical evacuation. While Kildow did not disclose specific medical details beyond the broken leg, he emphasized his daughter’s remarkable resilience. “She’s a very strong individual,” he said. “She knows physical pain and she understands the circumstances that she finds herself in. And she’s able to handle it. Better than I expected. She’s a very, very strong person. And so I think she’s handling it real well.”
Vonn’s family was present to witness the crash and the aftermath, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment. Known for her fierce competitiveness and multiple World Cup titles, Vonn had been attempting to add another Olympic medal to her storied career despite ongoing physical challenges. Her crash has sent shockwaves through the skiing community and fans worldwide.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, have showcased some of the world’s top winter sports athletes. The alpine skiing events, governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), are among the most thrilling and perilous competitions. Vonn’s accident highlights the inherent risks of high-speed downhill skiing, which can reach speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour.
Medical teams at the Games, coordinated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, responded swiftly to provide emergency care and transport. The rapid response likely mitigated further complications from the crash.
Vonn’s situation also draws attention to athlete safety protocols and injury prevention measures in winter sports. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) continues to prioritize athlete health, working closely with medical experts and sports organizations to enhance protective equipment and training.
As Vonn recovers, her legacy as one of the most successful American alpine skiers remains secure. Her father’s candid remarks underscore the difficult decisions athletes and families face when confronting career-ending injuries. For now, the skiing world waits and hopes for her full recovery, while reflecting on the risks these elite athletes endure in pursuit of Olympic glory.
For ongoing updates on the Winter Olympics and athlete health, visit the official International Olympic Committee (IOC) site.
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