Lindsey Vonn, 41, was injured in a terrifying crash during the Olympic downhill Sunday in Cortina, Italy, ending her remarkable comeback bid. Moments after leaving the start gate, Vonn lost control, clipped a gate with her right shoulder, and tumbled down the slope before coming to rest awkwardly on her back. Medical teams treated her for several minutes before airlifting her to a clinic in Cortina, later transferring her to a larger hospital in Treviso for surgery.

Ca’ Foncello Hospital reported that Vonn underwent an orthopedic operation to stabilize a fracture in her left leg and is in “stable condition” under the care of American and Italian physicians. The U.S. Ski Team confirmed she is “in good hands” and recovering from the procedure.

Anouk Patty, chief of sport for U.S. Ski and Snowboard, called the crash a reminder of the dangers of ski racing, noting that athletes are “throwing themselves down a mountain and going really, really fast.”

Vonn’s injury comes just nine days after another high-speed crash in Switzerland left her with a ruptured ACL, bone bruise, and meniscus damage in her knees. Despite these setbacks, the four-time overall World Cup champion returned to elite competition last season after nearly six years, aiming to capture a second Olympic downhill gold, having won her first in Vancouver 2010.

The crowd watched in shock, including family members and fans such as rapper Snoop Dogg. Fellow American skier Mikaela Shiffrin expressed support on social media. International Ski and Snowboard Federation President Johan Eliasch praised Vonn for her contributions to the sport, calling her Olympic run “the talk of the games” and a testament to her career.

Vonn’s crash leaves uncertainty over the future of her storied skiing career, though officials report she is stable and receiving top-level care as she begins recovery from the latest serious injury.