Winter Olympics icon Lindsey Vonn showcased unwavering support for Team USA despite a harrowing crash during the Winter Olympics. Breezy Johnson, her gold medal-winning teammate, disclosed that Vonn continued to cheer her on even as she was being airlifted from Cortina d’Ampezzo following her downhill event mishap.
Vonn, aged 41, made her comeback at the Winter Olympics after a hiatus since 2018 and skipping the 2022 Games. However, her return on Sunday turned tragic as she collided with a flag marker on the course, resulting in a dramatic fall.
The incident was particularly poignant as Vonn had recently revealed undergoing surgery for a severe ACL rupture in her left knee just a week before her Olympic return. While there were mixed reactions about her participation in what could potentially be her final Games, many lauded her resilience and fortitude.
Johnson, 30, expressed solidarity with Vonn and shared that Vonn was celebrating her victory from the helicopter. Johnson had already completed her run before Vonn’s crash and claimed the top position on the podium.
In a heartfelt message, Johnson extended her best wishes to Vonn, recognizing her remarkable achievements and expressing empathy for her situation. Johnson’s triumph in clinching the gold medal, finishing a mere 0.04 seconds ahead of Emma Aicher from Germany, marked her first Olympic medal and made her the second American athlete to secure gold in this event, following Vonn’s victory in 2010.
Emotional scenes unfolded as Vonn’s cries of pain resonated with BBC commentator Chemmy Alcott, who was visibly moved by the distressing situation. Meanwhile, Johnson conveyed a supportive message to Vonn, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect among athletes.
With Vonn cheering her on remotely, Johnson’s exceptional performance secured her the coveted gold medal, a fitting achievement after missing the 2022 Winter Olympics due to injury.
Defending Vonn’s decision to compete despite her injury, Johnson emphasized that many athletes, including herself, have faced similar challenges but often choose not to disclose them publicly due to external scrutiny. The camaraderie and understanding within the skiing community were evident as athletes rallied around Vonn during her challenging moment.
The UEFA Champions League action is now live on TNT Sports, offering fans an opportunity to enjoy premium sports content, including select Premier League and FA Cup fixtures. Reflecting on Johnson’s recent success, her victory at the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships in Austria and her remarkable comeback at the Winter Olympics underscore her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.