LINDSEY VONN'S SISTER OFFERS HEALTH UPDATE AS WINTER OLYMPICS ICON AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL

American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, 41, was airlifted to hospital following a devastating crash at Milan Cortina 2026, with her sister Karin Kildow speaking out on the terrifying incident

Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital(Image: AP)

Lindsey Vonn's sister has spoken out after the American skiing legend's terrifying crash at the Winter Olympics, which required her to be airlifted to a hospital.

She revealed that Vonn's surgeon is present and will be heading to the medical facility. Competing in her first Olympics in eight years at Milan Cortina, the 41-year-old Vonn had only recently suffered a complete rupture of the ACL in her left knee.

Despite making a remarkable comeback to competition last year following a five-year hiatus, Vonn's Olympic dreams were shattered during the downhill alpine event on Sunday morning.

Lindsey Vonn suffered a shocking fall on Sunday(Image: GETTY)

The Team USA superstar seemed to lose her balance after her right arm made contact with the gate, sending her veering sharply to the right while airborne. As she attempted to regain control, Vonn crashed to the ground at high speed, ending up in a crumpled heap on the snow.

Her anguished cries filled the unsettling silence, prompting organisers to play background music to mask the eerie quiet, as stunned spectators sat frozen in the stands.

After what felt like an eternity, Vonn was carefully placed into a medical bag and then transported to the hospital via helicopter, reports the Mirror.

The stark image of the yellow helicopter and Vonn's red bag against the snow-covered mountains' white backdrop left viewers worldwide watching in horror.

Speaking to USA Today, Vonn's sister Karin Kildow revealed that she was aware of all the risks and was simply pushing her limits. Kildow also reassured fans that Vonn was in the hands of the best medical team possible.

"I mean that definitely was the last thing we wanted to see and it happened quick and when that happens, you're just immediately hoping she's okay," she expressed.

"And it was scary because when you start to see the stretchers being put out, it's not a good sign. But she really...she just dared greatly and she put it all out there. So it's really hard to see but we just really hope she's okay.

"She does have all of her surgeons and her PT staff here and her doctors, so I'm sure they'll give us a report and we'll meet her at whatever hospital she's at."

- Daniel Blackham, Mikael McKenzie and Will Schofield