The helicopter crew that evacuated U.S. alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn from the Olimpia delle Tofane course during Sunday’s Olympic downhill described a technically complex but smoothly executed rescue under clear skies.
Vonn, 41, was airlifted from the slope after suffering a severe crash just 13 seconds into her run while attempting an audacious comeback bid for Olympic gold despite a ruptured knee ligament. She later underwent surgery for a broken leg at an Italian hospital.
Because of the terrain and race conditions, the helicopter was required to hover at a significant height while crew members carried out a prolonged winching operation, demanding precise coordination among all personnel involved.
Vonn was fully enclosed in a winch stretcher during the extraction to protect her from wind and cold air generated by the helicopter’s rotors, rescue officials said.
Pilot Roberto Cit of Belluno described the mission as “truly special,” noting that bright, sunny conditions on race day contrasted sharply with difficult weather that disrupted training sessions on Saturday.
“Today’s conditions were optimal, and we worked very well together as a team,” Cit said, praising coordination with mountain rescue staff, the onboard doctor and nurse, and the winch technician during the maneuver on the slope.
After spending several hours at the Codivilla Putti Hospital in Cortina, Vonn was transported by helicopter to the Ca’ Foncello Hospital in Treviso for further treatment.
Despite the added pressure of operating during a major Olympic event, the crew said extensive training and teamwork ensured the rescue was conducted calmly, safely, and efficiently.
After racing got back under way, Andorra’s last starter Cande Moreno, 25, also crashed and was put on a stretcher as an air ambulance was called into action a second time.
Avincis, Europe’s largest provider of emergency air services, are handling rescue operations at the Winter Olympics.
