Lindsey Vonn crashes in Olympic downhill, taken away by helicopter as US teammate Johnson wins gold

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Lindsey Vonn, racing on a badly injured left knee, crashed early in the women’s downhill Sunday and was taken off the course by helicopter after receiving medical attention on the snow for several minutes.

The 41-year-old American, making a rare Olympic comeback, lost control on the opening traverse and was spun into the snow, ending her hopes for a second Olympic downhill medal. Medical personnel tended to Vonn before she was placed on a gurney and flown to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

On a bittersweet day for the U.S. team, Vonn’s teammate Breezy Johnson won the gold medal in the event, becoming only the second American woman to claim Olympic downhill gold. Germany’s Emma Aicher took silver, and Italy’s Sofia Goggia earned bronze.

Vonn’s father was among the family members in the stands as the crash unfolded, prompting a hush over the crowd. Race organizers briefly paused the competition following the incident.

The veteran skier had entered the Olympics after a remarkable return to competition following multiple injuries, including a torn ACL sustained just nine days earlier. U.S. Ski & Snowboard said she was in stable condition and receiving care from both American and Italian medical teams.