What happened to Lindsey Vonn during the Olympic downhill?

Lindsey Vonn crashed during the Olympic downhill event, suffering a broken leg and other injuries.

How was Lindsey Vonn rescued from the Olympic piste?

A helicopter crew performed a technically demanding winching maneuver to extract Lindsey Vonn from the Olimpia delle Tofane piste.

What were the conditions during Lindsey Vonn's rescue?

The rescue operation took place under clear, sunny skies, which provided optimal conditions for the crew.

Home / Sports / Helicopter Crew Describes Dramatic Lindsey Vonn Extraction

Helicopter Crew Describes Dramatic Lindsey Vonn Extraction

9 Feb

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Summary

Helicopter crew described a technically demanding rescue operation.
Vonn underwent surgery for a broken leg after a crash.
Clear skies aided the optimal conditions for the rescue.

Helicopter Crew Describes Dramatic Lindsey Vonn Extraction

A helicopter crew involved in the rescue of U.S. ski champion Lindsey Vonn detailed the complex operation conducted during the Olympic downhill race. The pilot and winch technician described the mission as technically demanding, highlighting precise coordination and helicopter positioning for a safe extraction.

Vonn, 41, was airlifted from the Olimpia delle Tofane piste after suffering a broken leg and other injuries in a crash. The crew received coded information and were not aware of her specific medical condition during the extraction.

Clear and sunny conditions on Sunday contrasted with previous difficult weather, creating optimal circumstances for the rescue. Following initial treatment at a hospital in Cortina, Vonn was transported by helicopter to another hospital in Treviso.