Lindsey Vonn pulls out of race, criticizes ski officials
American skier crashes on Saturday, laments dangerous conditions
Lindsey Vonn has pulled out of the World Cup Alpine combined race on Sunday in Crans Montana, Switzerland, completing a miserable weekend for the American skier.
Vonn crashed in the super-G on Saturday, although after an anxious wait she was able to ski down the course.
The former Olympic champion also withdrew from another combined race on Friday, along with overall World Cup leader Mikaela Shiffrin and their American teammate Laurenne Ross, because of dangerous conditions on the course. In posts on social media that night she said she had food poisoning, and the next morning had not fully recovered but would race.
Unfortunately after getting food poisoning and crashing today I don't feel healthy enough to safely race tomorrow so I will not be starting😔
—@lindseyvonnVonn pulled out of Friday's race after the first three competitors crashed, and one was taken away on a stretcher with a knee injury.
The event was postponed and the start was lowered but Vonn didn't want to risk herself, and criticized organizers for not cancelling the race.
Vonn returned to competition only last month after nearly a year out with knee and arm injuries.
The announcement of her name on Saturday as she prepared to start the super-G prompted a smattering of boos among spectators. There were loud gasps when she lost control and fell, sliding several feet before crashing into the safety netting.
There was a worrying few minutes as Vonn remained down. Other competitors were clearly concerned for her. However, the four-time World Cup overall champion was able to ski down to the finish area, where she was greeted with loud cheers. Vonn was visibly upset and appeared to be crying as she was comforted by teammate Julia Mancuso.