At 41, and already battling serious injuries, she chose to race despite the odds, motivated by deep respect for the sport she loves.

Moments after leaving the start gate, disaster struck when she clipped a gate and crashed hard, stunning spectators and fellow competitors alike.

She suffered a severe leg injury and was quickly airlifted to a nearby hospital, where officials later confirmed she underwent surgery and was in stable condition.

Support poured in from fans, teammates, and athletes around the world, all acknowledging her bravery and her lasting impact on alpine skiing.

Vonn’s sister later described the terrifying moments after the crash, recalling the fear as medical crews rushed onto the course and hope became the only focus.

Before the race, Vonn had openly accepted the risks, saying she would give everything she had, just as she always had throughout her remarkable career.

Though the ending was not the fairytale many hoped for, her legacy remains secure, proving that true victory lies in courage, resilience, and the will to try until the very end.