Vonn Injury Update: Super-G Withdrawal After Fall

Lindsey Vonn has withdrawn from the super-G of the World Cup races in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, a day after her fall in the downhill. The 41-year-old top skier from the United States is suffering from knee problems, although the severity of her injury is not yet known.

“Unfortunately I can’t race, but I wish everyone good luck. I’m doing my best now,” Vonn wrote on Instagram, where after her fall she expressed confidence that her Olympic dream is not over yet. The Games start next week.

After her fall, the American national coach had her put on the list for the super-G, in the hope that Vonn would feel well enough to start. That turned out not to be the case.

Malorie Blanc surprised in the super-G with her first World Cup victory. Her best result so far was second place on the downhill, last year in St. Anton. “I’m so happy that I was able to bring this show,” said the Swiss. “It’s really a gift to the people and their support.”

Blanc, from nearby Anzère, was up early and the competition wasted no time. Sofia Goggia, leader in the super-G World Cup standings, came second.

Vonn remained on the slopes for several minutes on Friday, but then skied to the finish himself. The American was taken to hospital by helicopter. The competition in Crans-Montana, Switzerland was stopped.

Due to snowfall and dense cloud cover, visibility was poor on some parts of the track. The competition organization and representatives of the national associations agreed afterwards that the conditions were certainly safe.

“At the spot where Vonn missed the best line and made a mistake, the light was probably good,” said race director Peter Gerdol.

Although Vonn was not the only one who lost, some associations and participants even spoke out against the cancellation of the competition.