Crans-Montana Downhill: Vonn Crash Raises Questions About Safety Amid Cancellation
The World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana was deemed safe despite Lindsey Vonn's high-speed crash that injured her left knee. The race officials, however, acknowledged that the conditions could have been hazardous, particularly with dimming light and poor visibility.
According to Peter Gerdol, the World Cup race director, the spot where Vonn lost control had "good light," but she still made a mistake. The cancellation of the race was deemed necessary due to safety concerns after three of the six starters failed to finish, and even leader Jacqueline Wiles narrowly escaped a crash.
Meanwhile, coaches from various countries defended the course design, stating that it was not downhill as it featured tight turns into the finish line that caused several crashes. Austria's coach, Roland Assinger, compared the conditions at Crans-Montana favorably to those two weeks ago in Tarvisio, Italy, where athletes skied through fog with visibility of zero.
However, comments from Breezy Johnson, Vonn's teammate, sparked controversy when she swore on a television hot mic during the warm-up session. Switzerland's Patrice Morisod later criticized her choice of words, saying that canceling such an event would mean "we don't have ski sport."
The cancellation has raised questions about the safety of upcoming events, particularly the Milan Cortina Olympics. Vonn is now racing against time to be fully fit for her Olympic debut in the women's downhill, scheduled two days after the world championships.
Gerdol assured that the course design will be reviewed before the 2027 world championships, which will take place on the same hill as this year's event. "In view of the championships next year, we will definitely work on this," he said.
Vonn might even make a last-minute return to compete in Saturday's super-G, with her coach confirming that she is still on the start list due to her determination and desire to continue racing.
The World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana was deemed safe despite Lindsey Vonn's high-speed crash that injured her left knee. The race officials, however, acknowledged that the conditions could have been hazardous, particularly with dimming light and poor visibility.
According to Peter Gerdol, the World Cup race director, the spot where Vonn lost control had "good light," but she still made a mistake. The cancellation of the race was deemed necessary due to safety concerns after three of the six starters failed to finish, and even leader Jacqueline Wiles narrowly escaped a crash.
Meanwhile, coaches from various countries defended the course design, stating that it was not downhill as it featured tight turns into the finish line that caused several crashes. Austria's coach, Roland Assinger, compared the conditions at Crans-Montana favorably to those two weeks ago in Tarvisio, Italy, where athletes skied through fog with visibility of zero.
However, comments from Breezy Johnson, Vonn's teammate, sparked controversy when she swore on a television hot mic during the warm-up session. Switzerland's Patrice Morisod later criticized her choice of words, saying that canceling such an event would mean "we don't have ski sport."
The cancellation has raised questions about the safety of upcoming events, particularly the Milan Cortina Olympics. Vonn is now racing against time to be fully fit for her Olympic debut in the women's downhill, scheduled two days after the world championships.
Gerdol assured that the course design will be reviewed before the 2027 world championships, which will take place on the same hill as this year's event. "In view of the championships next year, we will definitely work on this," he said.
Vonn might even make a last-minute return to compete in Saturday's super-G, with her coach confirming that she is still on the start list due to her determination and desire to continue racing.
they're literally risking their necks out there! like, Lindsey Vonn had a serious crash & her knee's all messed up 
& people are still talking about how "good light" was at that spot where she lost control? come on, that's just not true 
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I mean, I totally get why they cancelled the race after Lindsey Vonn crashed 
, but can't we just say that safety should be everyone's top priority? 
The fact that three out of six starters didn't even make it to the finish line is crazy! 
And now we're wondering if this will affect the Olympics? 
It's not like they want anyone to get hurt, but at the same time, you've got skiers who are super passionate about their sport and just wanna compete 
... it does seem kinda sketchy with those tight turns at the finish line 
. Can't we have a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone? 
It's not rocket science, but maybe some tweaks could make all the difference 
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... all this controversy around Breezy Johnson's outburst is distracting from the real issue at hand 
. Anyway, I'm all for Lindsey Vonn giving it another shot in super-G 
! She's a total legend and everyone wants to see her compete 
, i mean come on 6 starters can't finish and even the leader was lucky... safety first, not winning a medal 
. but seriously, patrice morisod's comment about canceling an event because we don't have ski sport is just salty 
That crash was scary, esp when you see all those other athletes struggling too... The conditions do sound sketchy, poor visibility can be super hazardous, even for pros like her... And now they're gonna review the course for 2027? Hopefully they'll make some changes to prevent similar incidents 
but seriously if patrice morisod got salty over breesys expletive, can we talk about how crazy that was? anyway vonn's still a legend even with her knee woes 
but i gotta say, im low-key worried for those olympic downhill events...
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. Let's all wish her a speedy recovery first!
. And now they're saying the same course might be used for the Olympics? That seems like a recipe for disaster to me 
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. The whole thing is just a bit unsettling, you know?
the fact that she cussed on live tv shows us she's got the fire in her belly 
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. Now Vonn's racing against time for Olympics and still might make it back? That's dedication 
, saying it's not downhill just because of tight turns. Like, what even is downhill racing if you're gonna crash a lot? 
but come on, coach patrice needs to chill out about it too.
Anyway, I'm glad Vonn's okay... 
That was totally uncalled for 
But yeah, safety first, you know? It's not worth risking your neck just to get that perfect score or whatever.
i mean i get it safety first but like seriously those tight turns can be so sketchy even for pros like her 
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