Lindsey Vonn has suffered a devastating crash in the women’s downhill skiing final at the Winter Olympics.

The 41-year-old American ruptured her ACL in a crash at a World Cup race in Switzerland last week but was determined to compete at the Olympics nevertheless.

Just 13 seconds into her final run in Cortina, northern Italy, on Sunday, Vonn crashed on the piste, having clipped a slalom flag while mid-air.

The Team USA athlete was heard screaming after the crash as she was surrounded by medical personnel.

She was then strapped to a gurney and flown to hospital by helicopter.

The severity of her injuries is not known.

Vonn was considered a medal hopeful despite her ruptured ACL and completed two impressive training runs earlier this week.

In an Instagram post last week, she said: “I crashed today in ‌the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee. I am discussing the situation with my doctors ​and team and will continue to undergo further exams.

“This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one ‍thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”

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