Skier Bella Wright’s Olympic Run Ends at Spot of Lindsey Vonn Crash

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Team USA skiers continue to face obstacles on the Cortina slopes.

Shortly after Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic hopes ended with a crash during the women’s downhill final, Isabella “Bella” Wright experienced a similar issue while competing in the women’s combined event on February 10th – she also struggled in the same location on the course.

Bella, unlike Lindsey, avoided a crash or injury, but she was traveling quickly down the hill, hoping to improve upon her 21st-place finish. She got too close to the fourth gate, which caused her to lose control in the air and go off course, ending her run.

Bella explained to the Associated Press that she skied with extra power to gain speed, which she successfully did. However, this made her path too direct, causing her to miss the next gate.

She explained that her ski line was very close to the gate – within about a foot. She said everything happened quickly, but that’s just part of the nature of ski racing, and she was understandably disappointed.

This crash happened only two days after Lindsey was rescued by helicopter from the same spot on the course following a fall on February 8th. The incident was particularly upsetting because Lindsey had recently come out of retirement with the goal of winning gold at the 2026 Olympics.

The 41-year-old athlete shared on Instagram that she had broken her shin (tibia) in a complex fracture, but clarified that the injury wasn’t caused by the torn ACL she’d suffered the previous week. She’d been competing despite the ACL tear.

Lindsey explained that she crashed because her arm got caught on the gate, pulling her off balance. She emphasized that the crash wasn’t caused by any previous injuries or issues with her ACL.

Although her leg was stable for now, she explained it would need several operations to fully heal. While Lindsey admitted her Olympic experience didn’t end as she’d hoped, she expressed gratitude for having pursued her dream in the first place.

Okay, so yesterday didn’t go exactly as planned, and honestly, it really hurt! But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being there at the starting line… it was just unreal. A feeling I’ll carry with me forever. Even just being a contender, having a real shot at winning? That was a win all on its own, seriously. It meant everything.

Keep reading for more notable moments from the 2026 Winter Olympics…

Oh my gosh, I just saw pictures of Lindsey Vonn training! It’s only been a few days since her awful crash and that ACL tear, but she’s already back out there, looking so determined! It’s incredible, honestly. She’s such a beast, pushing herself even after something that serious. I’m seriously in awe of her dedication!

On February 6th, Alysa Liu, representing the United States, performed a Biellmann spin during her short program in the women’s single skating event.

Jennifer Dodds of Team Great Britain looked very tense while watching the curling mixed doubles round robin match against South Korea on February 6th.

On February 6th, Snoop Dogg, who is working as an Olympics correspondent for NBC, gave curling a try during a practice session.

On February 6th, figure skating partners Evan Bates and Madison Chock, who are also a couple in real life, delivered a flawless performance during their rhythm dance routine.

On February 5th, Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to play hockey for the U.S. in the Olympics, competed against Sara Cajanova of the Czech Republic during the game between the United States and the Czech Republic.

On February 5th, Australian snowboarder Valentino Guseli and Czech athlete Jakub Hrones shared a hug after competing in the men’s snowboard big air qualifying round.

Bulgarian ski jumper Vladimir Zografski hits the brakes during a Feb. 5 training session.

Korey Dropkin, an American curler, celebrated with a shout after his team won against Switzerland in a mixed doubles curling match on February 5th.

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2026-02-10 22:17