Lindsey Vonn, a renowned Winter Olympics athlete, displayed unwavering support for Team USA despite a serious crash at the recent Winter Olympics event. Breezy Johnson, her gold medal-winning teammate, revealed that Vonn was cheering her on even as she was being airlifted for medical assistance following the downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Vonn, aged 41, made a comeback at the Winter Olympics after a hiatus from the sport since 2018, opting out of the 2022 Games. Unfortunately, her return was marred by a dramatic crash where she collided with a flag marker on the course, leading to her being tossed into the air.
The incident was especially heartbreaking considering Vonn had recently disclosed a severe knee injury before the Games and had undergone surgery for a complete ACL rupture in her left knee. While some criticized the decision to allow her to compete given her physical condition, others commended her for her bravery and determination.
Johnson, aged 30, shared that Vonn continued to support her teammates, celebrating Johnson’s victory even while being evacuated in a helicopter. Johnson’s exceptional performance secured her a gold medal, finishing just 0.04 seconds ahead of Emma Aicher from Germany and marking her first Olympic podium placement. Notably, Johnson became the second American athlete to claim gold in this particular event, following Vonn’s triumph in 2010.
Vonn’s distressing crash evoked a poignant response from BBC commentator Chemmy Alcott, who was moved to tears describing the scene. In return, Johnson sent a heartfelt message of support to Vonn, acknowledging her remarkable career achievements and expressing hope for her swift recovery.
The UEFA Champions League coverage is now available on TNT Sports, offering fans access to live matches via the TNT Sports Prime Video channel, along with selected Premier League and FA Cup fixtures. Johnson’s recent success at the Winter Olympics adds to her list of accomplishments, building on her previous triumph at the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships.
Defending Vonn’s decision to compete despite her injury, Johnson addressed public concerns on social media, emphasizing that many athletes have competed without an ACL and highlighting the challenges faced in elite sports competition.