Hours before her fateful final Olympic appearance, Lindsey Vonn took to Instagram to explain why she would race despite carrying a severe knee injury.
The 41-year-old American, racing with a ruptured ACL sustained during a downhill event in Switzerland on 30 January, lost control at the upper portion of the course.
Travelling at approximately 60mph, she missed her turn and struck the fourth gate, causing her to lose balance.
Her compromised knee made recovery impossible, and she tumbled violently several times before finally coming to rest on the slope.
As medical personnel rushed to reach her, Vonn could be heard crying out "Oh my God" in obvious distress, bringing her remarkable career to a harrowing conclusion.
The horrifying scene unfolded before a stunned audience at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, with rapper Snoop Dogg among those watching in disbelief.
Hours before, Vonn had taken to social media to explain her decision to compete despite the risks involved.
Hours before her fateful final Olympic appearance, Lindsey Vonn took to Instagram to explain why she would race despite carrying a severe knee injury
|REUTERS
"Tomorrow: One last Olympic downhill run," the American wrote.
"Just getting to these Olympics has been a journey, and one that some did not believe in from the start."
The three-time Olympic medallist had returned to competition following a six-year retirement, made possible by a partial knee replacement.
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Lindsey Vonn crashed while competing at the Winter Olympics with a serious ACL injury | REUTERS"But why? Everyone seems to be asking me that question. But I think the answer is simple I just love ski racing," she stated.
Vonn acknowledged the considerable obstacles she faced, including her age, a titanium knee, and competing without an ACL.
"But no matter what happens, I have already won," she declared.
That belief, however, would be shattered just 13 seconds after Vonn pushed off from the starting gate at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Organisers attempted to mask Vonn's agonised screams by playing background music over the venue's speakers in the moments that folowed.
Emergency services swiftly arranged for the stricken athlete to be transported by helicopter to hospital, with spectators looking on helplessly.
Lindsey Vonn was airlifted to hospital after her crash | GETTYNo official update regarding Vonn's condition has been released since the incident on day two of the Winter Olympics.
The crash marked a devastating end to the career of one of alpine skiing's most decorated competitors, who had defied medical advice to take one final shot at Olympic glory.
Fellow American skier Breezy Johnson offered an emotional reaction following the incident, revealing a remarkable detail about Vonn's spirit even in the aftermath of the crash.
"Her coach said she was cheering for me in the helicopter, so I hope for the best for her," the 30-year-old told reporters.
"I hope that it's not too bad. My heart aches for her. It's such a brutal sport sometimes."
The revelation that Vonn remained focused on supporting her teammates despite her own ordeal spoke volumes about the veteran competitor's character.