Gremaud Retains Freeski Slopestyle Gold as Vonn's Olympic Return Ends in Tragedy

MILAN-CORTINA, Italy - The 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed both triumph and heartbreak on Monday as Switzerland's Mathilde Gremaud defended her women's freeski slopestyle title, while American legend Lindsey Vonn's highly anticipated comeback ended in a horrific crash requiring immediate surgery.

Gremaud Makes History

Gremaud became the first woman to retain a freestyle skiing Olympic title, scoring 86.96 on her second run to edge out China's Eileen Gu, who had to settle for her second consecutive silver in the event with a score of 86.58. Canada's Megan Oldham completed the podium with a bronze medal performance totaling 76.46 points.

"It means everything," said Gremaud after her victory. "The last four years have been challenging, but being able to put it all together when it counts is what matters. I'm so proud of my team and myself for this achievement."

Gu, who fell early on her third run after posting a 23.00 on her second, will now shift focus to defending her big air and halfpipe Olympic titles. The Swiss skier's medal chest now includes silver from the 2018 Games and bronze from the 2022 big air competition.

Vonn's Comeback Ends Abruptly

In stark contrast to Gremaud's celebration, the day was overshadowed by tragedy as Lindsey Vonn crashed just 13 seconds into her women's downhill run. The 41-year-old American, competing just days after tearing her ACL in a training accident, was airlifted off the Olimpia della Tofane course and underwent emergency surgery for a fractured left leg.

Despite the injury, Vonn had insisted on competing, stating her desire to finish her career where it all began. Her crash brought tears to the eyes of spectators and fellow competitors alike, casting a shadow over what had been a promising start to the Games for Team USA.

The IOC later reaffirmed its decision to allow Vonn to compete despite her injury, noting her medical clearance and determination to participate. However, the crash has reignited debates about athlete safety versus the desire to compete at the highest level.

American Gold

Earlier in the day, Breezy Johnson provided some redemption for Team USA by winning gold in the women's downhill with a time of 1:36.10, just four hundredths of a second ahead of Germany's Emma Aicher who took silver. Home favorite Sofia Goggia claimed bronze in 1:36.69, delighting the Italian crowd at Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Johnson's victory marked the United States' second gold medal of these Games and came after a nerve-wracking final where she executed a typically high-risk run down what she described as one of the "fastest skiing" courses of her career.

Gremaud Makes History

Vonn's Comeback Ends Abruptly

American Gold

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