That context made the severity of the crash all the more chilling.
Hours later, U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed that Vonn was stable and receiving care from American and Italian medical teams.
Family statements echoed the cautious optimism: evaluations were ongoing, and more details would follow.
Broadcasters added reassurance, noting that she remained in a local medical facility rather than being transferred to a larger hospital—an early signal that the initial fears, while terrifying, may have been worse than the reality.
While her race ended in heartbreak, the focus has shifted to recovery. Athletes, teammates, and fans flooded social media with messages of support and admiration for Vonn’s determination to compete despite immense risk.
For a skier whose career has been defined as much by resilience as by medals, this latest chapter is a testament to the courage it takes to compete at the highest level—and a reminder that health always comes before glory.