Lindsey Vonn health update as statement released after shocking Winter Olympics crash

The US ski and snowboard team have confirmed Lindsey Vonn is in a "stable condition" after the skiing legend crashed heavily during the Winter Olympics downhill event in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Vonn was airlifted to hospital after crashing in the early stages of her women’s downhill run in Cortina.

The 41-year-old damaged her ACL when falling in a World Cup contest at Crans-Montana just over a week ago. However, she was determined to compete in Sunday’s event at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, but she crashed hard in the top section of the course at approximately 60mph.

Starting as the 13th skier, Vonn clipped a gate and somersaulted off the course just seconds into her run. She was then on the ground for around 15 minutes before being airlifted off the course, with spectators cheering her as the helicopter flew over.

And in an update released on Sunday evening, Team U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team confirmed: "Lindsey Vonn sustained an injury, but is in stable condition and in good hands with a team of American and Italian physicians."

In a separate update, Vonn's sister, Karin Kildow, told USA Today: "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.

"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."

After a lengthy delay while the course remained closed, Vonn's fellow American Breezy Johnson