Lindsey Vonn’s sister has spoken out following the Team USA star’s devastating crash at the Winter Olympics which resulted in her being airlifted to hospital, confirming that her surgeon is on site and will be heading to the medical facility.
Vonn, 41, was taking part in her first Olympics in eight years at Milan Cortina, mere days after completely rupturing the ACL in her left knee. The Team USA icon staged a remarkable comeback last year following five years away but her aspirations descended into catastrophe during Sunday morning’s downhill alpine.
The Team USA superstar seemed to lose her footing after striking the gate with her right arm, causing her to veer right whilst airborne. As she attempted to regain control, she plummeted to the ground at tremendous velocity, crumpling into a heap on the snow.
Her cries cut through the eerie quiet, with organisers compelled to broadcast background music to mask the absence of sound, as spectators sat stunned in the stands.
Following what felt like an age, she was placed into a medical bag before being airlifted to hospital.
The image of the yellow helicopter and Vonn’s red bag set against the white of the snow-covered mountains left viewers worldwide watching in dismay.
Speaking subsequently to USA Today, Vonn’s sister Karin Kildow said she was conscious of all the dangers and was merely testing her limits.
Kildow also offered reassurance to supporters that Vonn was receiving care from the finest medical professionals available. “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 said.
“And it was scary because when you start to see the stretchers being put out, it’s not a good sign.
“But she really … she just dared greatly and she put it all out there. So it’s really hard to see, but we just really hope she’s okay.
“She does have all of her surgeons and her PT staff here and her doctors, so I’m sure they’ll give us a report and we’ll meet her at whatever hospital she’s at.”
Following a considerable delay whilst the course remained suspended, Vonn’s compatriot Breezy Johnson claimed Team USA’s opening medal of the Winter Olympics, clocking 1:36:10 to capture gold – the first American to achieve this since Vonn herself.