Italian skiing legend Alberto Tomba has sharply criticised Lindsey Vonn’s choice to compete at Crans-Montana last month rather than preparing on the Olympic course, arguing this decision ultimately destroyed her comeback dreams.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist believes Vonn’s pursuit of another victory sparked a dangerous sequence of events that culminated in her devastating crash at Milano-Cortina 2026.
“She shouldn’t have raced at Crans-Montana,” Tomba told Reuters from a hotel terrace in Cortina.
“She should have come here and trained, instead.”
The 59-year-old suggested the American’s excellent form this season fuelled her appetite for more success.
“When you feel in good shape, you want to win again. One race leads to another. But after five years preparing for these Olympics … well, she took a risk,” Tomba said.
Vonn’s troubles began on 30 January during the World Cup event in Switzerland, where she lost her balance and collided with the side netting, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
Italian skiing legend Alberto Tomba has sharply criticised Lindsey Vonn’s choice to compete at Crans-Montana last month rather than preparing on the Olympic course, arguing this decision ultimately destroyed her comeback dreams
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GETTY
Despite this serious injury, the 41-year-old American remarkably returned to competition at Cortina d’Ampezzo, wearing a brace on her damaged knee.
On Saturday, she recorded the third quickest time on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, defying all expectations.
However, Sunday’s race brought her Olympic aspirations to a catastrophic end.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash | GETTY
The 2010 Olympic champion was airlifted to hospital following a horrific fall that left her with a broken leg requiring surgical intervention.
Vonn’s remarkable return to competitive skiing began in 2024, following nearly six years away from the sport and surgery to replace her right knee.
Prior to the Crans-Montana incident, the four-time overall World Cup champion had enjoyed an exceptional season, reaching the podium in all five downhill races she entered.
Her results included two victories, a runner-up finish, and two third-place finishes.
In December, the American had expressed supreme confidence in her physical condition, declaring she felt stronger, fitter and faster than at any previous point in her career.
This self-belief, according to Tomba, drove her determination to chase further triumphs rather than prioritise cautious preparation for the Games.
Lindsey Vonn crashed while competing at the Winter Olympics with a serious ACL injury | REUTERS
Tomba, who claimed gold medals at both the Calgary 1988 and Albertville 1992 Winter Games, was part of an illustrious era for Italian skiing.
Just days before Vonn’s crash, he shared the prestigious duty of igniting the Olympic cauldron in Milan alongside fellow Italian skiing great Debora Compagnoni.
When asked whether regulations should be amended to better safeguard competitors, the 59-year-old offered a measured response.
“It’s not easy. You can say that, but when you’re in the start gate …I was maybe the only one who wouldn’t start if conditions weren’t right. Different times, different courses,” he said.
Organisers had cancelled the Crans-Montana race as deteriorating weather brought snowfall to the course.
