US Vonn’s Olympic comeback ends in dramatic downhill crash

Lindsey Vonn's Winter Olympic dream ended in screams of pain on Sunday after she crashed out of the women's downhill won by her American teammate Breezy Johnson.

The American star had been trying to claim the fourth Olympic medal of her career despite suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee just over a week ago, but her race ended after just 13 seconds in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

She cried out in anguish after her violent crash high up the course, and medical staff quickly surrounded the distraught 41-year-old on the Olimpia delle Tofane piste, where she has enjoyed so much success in the past.

The 2010 Olympic downhill champion hit the snow face first soon after pushing off from the gate.

She then rolled down the slope with her skis still attached, which is likely to have caused further serious damage to her knee.

Vonn's Olympic dream now lies in tatters after her audacious bid to achieve the seemingly impossible, an attempt that ended with her being winched up to a rescue helicopter as fans in the stands saluted her with loud applause.

Johnson, who was already in the traditional leader's chair after her aggressive run down the slope, held her face in shock after Vonn's crash, which completely changed the complexion of the race.

"My heart goes out to her. I hope it's not as bad as it looked," Johnson said.

Already the reigning world downhill champion, Johnson finished in front of Germany's Emma Aicher by just 0.04s with Italy's speed specialist Sofia Goggia taking bronze in front of home fans.

Vonn was eventually strapped into a stretcher and winched into the air by a rescue helicopter as the crowd applauded warmly. By the evening, the Ca' Foncello hospital in Treviso where she was treated said that