Lindsey Vonn crashes in Olympic downhill, race halted

At the Olympic downhill in Crans-Montana, American ski legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a harrowing crash just 13 seconds into her run, abruptly ending her Olympic Winter Games. Spectators were shaken as her cries of pain were heard live, and after a lengthy pause in competition she was airlifted by helicopter – the dramatic moment now circulating widely online.

Vonn had started with the unlucky bib number 13 after recently tearing her left anterior cruciate ligament, yet still chose to compete in pursuit of another Olympic medal. The intense crash occurred early in the course, forcing officials to halt the event. After approximately 15 minutes, she was transported by helicopter to the valley. The incident has become one of the most talked-about moments of these Olympic Games.