American skier Lindsey Vonn has had surgery on a left-leg fracture after suffering heartbreak in what could be her final Olympic event as she crashed in the women's downhill competition in Cortina.
The 41-year-old was competing just nine days after rupturing ligaments in her left knee, but hitting the gate with her ski pole on a first jump left Vonn off balance, denying a fairytale ending to a remarkable story.
Vonn was airlifted off the piste to Ca Foncello hospital in Treviso, around 130km from Olimpia delle Tofane in the Dolomites, following lengthy treatment.
The hospital issued a statement which said she had orthopedic surgery to stabilize the fracture she sustained in her left leg - the same leg with the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Earlier, a statement from the United States ski team said Vonn had sustained an injury but was in a stable condition.
The two-time world champion had successfully completed two training runs on the iconic course prior to Sunday's crash.
Compatriot Breezy Johnson was in tears as she added Olympic gold to the world title she won last year after clocking a blistering time of one minute 36.10 seconds.
Another American, Isabella Wright, watched the crash from the top of the slope before having to complete her own run, but shared hope that Vonn would be able to complete the race despite her injury.
Vonn faced a substantial risk by competing at the Olympics after her ACL injury, determined to assert her competitive spirit.
Stunned spectators applauded as she was airlifted away, with Vonn holding a record 12 of her 84 World Cup wins at the same venue.
Following the crash, fellow competitors expressed solidarity with Vonn, recognizing the harsh realities of the sport.
As Vonn grapples with her recovery, fans and teammates are left with reflections on her storied career and fighting spirit.
