Lindsey Vonn’s sister breaks family silence after horrendous skiing accident at Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow has spoken of her family’s shock and concern following the American skiing legend’s devastating crash during the women’s downhill final at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Speaking to NBC after Vonn was transported to hospital, Kildow said: “I mean that definitely was the last thing we wanted to see and it happened quick and when that happens, you’re just immediately hoping she’s okay.”
She described the terrifying moments as medical personnel arrived on the slope.
“It was scary because when you start to see the stretchers being put out, it’s not a good sign,” Kildow added.
The 41-year-old’s sister confirmed that Vonn’s surgical team, physiotherapists and doctors are all present in Italy.
The crash occurred as Vonn navigated an early jump on the Olimpia delle Tofane course, a venue where she holds more victories than any other female competitor in FIS World Cup history.
Taking an aggressive approach, the American clipped the right-side gate whilst airborne, which sent her spinning sideways before she hit the ground in a horrific accident.
Lindsey Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow has spoken of her family’s shock and concern following the American skiing legend’s devastating crash during the women’s downhill final at the 2026 Winter Olympics
|
GETTY
Vonn could be heard screaming in agony on the mountainside.
She was subsequently evacuated by helicopter, having been competing on a knee she had already seriously damaged just over a week prior at a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, where she suffered a torn ACL.
Vonn’s decision to race on her damaged knee had captured worldwide attention in the days leading up to the final.
Lindsey Vonn is receiving treatment in hospital after her crash at the Winter Olympics
|
GETTY
The veteran skier had been attempting what many considered a remarkable comeback, hoping to add to her Olympic medal tally eight years after claiming bronze at Pyeongchang.
Despite wearing a substantial brace on her left knee, she had recorded the eleventh fastest time during Friday’s second training session and improved to third quickest in Saturday’s final practice run.
However, suffering consecutive crashes now poses a significant threat to the 41-year-old’s future in the sport during a season that was meant to cement her legacy as one of skiing’s all-time greats.
Despite Vonn’s inability to finish the race, the women’s downhill delivered the first American medal of these Winter Games.
Breezy Johnson, who was sixth to descend the course, claimed gold to become only the second US woman to win the Olympic downhill title after Vonn’s triumph in Vancouver in 2010.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash | GETTY
The Wyoming native achieved victory on the same slope where she crashed in January 2022, an injury that prevented her competing at the Beijing Games.
Germany’s Emma Aicher secured silver, finishing a mere 0.04 seconds behind Johnson, whilst Italy’s Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic downhill champion, took bronze.
Support flooded social media following the incident, with teammate Mikaela Shiffrin posting broken heart and prayer emojis.
Johnson is yet to comment on her crash, with the veteran continuing to receive treatment in hospital.
