The surgeon responsible for Lindsey Vonn's knee operation was present on the mountainside and managed to board the helicopter alongside the stricken American skier following her devastating crash in the women's downhill final at the Winter Olympics.
According to an update provided on BBC shortly before midday, the aircraft touched down in Cortina, though Vonn will not be treated at the local medical facility.
Former British skier Chemmy Alcott, visibly moved by the incident, reported that the hospital there cannot provide the level of care required for Vonn's injuries.
The 41-year-old is expected to be transported to Innsbruck for further treatment instead.
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Vonn's participation in these Games had been in serious doubt after she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during a crash mere days before the competition began.
Despite this setback, the veteran American mounted an extraordinary return, successfully completing training sessions in the lead-up to Sunday's final.
She took to the course without an ACL in her left knee, relying instead on a supportive brace.
The surgeon responsible for Lindsey Vonn's knee operation was present on the mountainside and managed to board the helicopter alongside the stricken American skier following her devastating crash in the women's downhill final at the Winter Olympics
|REUTERS
Starting as the 13th competitor, Vonn fell near the top of the run, bringing proceedings to a halt for approximately 20 minutes whilst medical staff attended to her.
The skier's agonised screams could be heard as she received treatment on the slope.
Alcott had been speaking with Enrica Cipriani, a member of Vonn's inner circle, shortly before delivering the update.
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Lindsey Vonn crashed while competing at the Winter Olympics with a serious ACL injury | REUTERS"She said the good news is that Lindsey Vonn's doctor, who did her knee, was here on the hill and was able to get in that helicopter with her," Alcott relayed.
Cipriani's husband, Chris Knight, serves as Vonn's coach, making the situation particularly difficult for those closest to the American star.
Even Cipriani herself had no further information on Vonn's condition, Alcott explained.
The former British skier described how challenging it has been for the team members who have devoted themselves entirely to Vonn's comeback attempt, with Cipriani simply trying to hold herself together whilst managing what she could.
The race ultimately concluded with American success despite the traumatic circumstances, as Vonn's compatriot Breezy Johnson claimed victory.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash | GETTYGermany's Emma Aicher secured the silver medal, whilst Italian favourite Sofia Goggia rounded out the podium in third position.
The downhill final was marred by a second serious incident not long after Vonn's accident.
Andorran skier Cande Moreno crashed in similar fashion and also required helicopter evacuation from the mountain after receiving medical attention on the course.
The double airlift cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory occasion for Johnson, who took gold in an event that will be remembered as much for its drama as its sporting achievement.