12.5 Seconds In: Breaking Down Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Crash

Lindsey Vonn’s dramatic crash at the Olympic downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo happened far earlier than most viewers realized — just 12.5 seconds into her run.

Despite her deep familiarity with the course, where she has recorded more victories than any other skier, the trouble began in a critical early section above the fastest part of the track.

The key moment came in a sharp right-hand turn that includes a slight uphill stretch. Unlike most turns, this section is reverse banked, meaning the slope tilts outward instead of helping guide the skier through.

That makes balance, timing, and positioning extremely unforgiving.

As Vonn entered the turn, she was pushed slightly uphill and hit a bump that suddenly lifted her into the air. While airborne, she clipped a gate, landed awkwardly with her skis misaligned, and lost control completely. The impact sent her tumbling violently before she came to a stop on the course.

Vonn later underwent surgery for a broken left leg and was reported to be in stable condition. During the crash, a mandatory safety air bag inflated under her racing suit — technology designed to reduce serious injury — highlighting both the risks of elite downhill skiing and the fine line athletes walk when pushing for Olympic medals.