Primoz Roglic pays tribute to Lindsey Vonn after downhill crash at Winter Olympics - 'No-one deserves these kinds of things'
Published 09/02/2026 at 19:01 GMT
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Lindsey Vonn's hopes of winning a medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics were ended as she crashed just 12 seconds into her downhill run. The 41-year-old was airlifted to hospital and has undergone surgery on a fractured leg. Cycling great Primoz Roglic has paid tribute to Vonn, expressing his admiration for the speed and skill on show in the skiing events at the Winter Games.
‘No one deserves this’ – Cycling star Roglic says Vonn has ‘nothing to prove to anyone’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Cycling great Primoz Roglic shared his sympathy with Lindsey Vonn after her 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics comeback ended in heartbreak.
Vonn, 41, was bidding to win a medal at the Games nine days after rupturing her ACL.
But she suffered a broken leg in a heavy crash in the women's downhill and had to be airlifted to hospital.
"No-one deserves these kinds of things and I hope that everything is fine with her," Roglic, a winner of five cycling Grand Tours and a ski jumper himself in his youth, told TNT Sports.
"Nobody has to prove anything to anyone but for skiing they do this and it was a sad thing to see."
Vonn is one of the most decorated Alpine skiers in history and was hoping to cap her comeback story by winning a medal at her fifth Games.
But instead there was heartbreak as she crashed 12 seconds into her downhill run.
Roglic said he was in awe of the speed of the skiers as he watched them compete over the weekend.
"It’s just fascinating and chapeau to watch how fast they go down. It’s amazing," he said.
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Watch: Vonn suffers big crash to end downhill hopes
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Coming here as a spectator and not competing is a completely different feeling. They can all be proud to be capable of competing.
"Of course the medals are the cherry on the cake but being here is already so beautiful, so thanks to them for bringing us this show."
Roglic was also asked to compare the skills needed to be a professional cyclist and skier.
"You have to live it for it, you have to wake up wanting to be the best and not just wanting to come to the Olympics. It’s about the mindset - and the rest."
Downhill winner Breezy Johnson was among those to pay tribute to her USA team-mate.
The gold medallist, who had completed her run before Vonn started, said: "I wish you all the best and I hope to see you back.
"What you have already accomplished is so much, it is incredible, and my heart hurts for you and I wish you all the best."
Fellow American Isabella Wright added: "Lindsey, you are one of the most amazing people and I am so sorry that today didn’t work out.
"I wanted more for you, everybody wanted more for you but the fact that you even came back and attempted this and gave it your all and prepped the best you could, that is inspirational for myself and for everyone.
"I’m here for you no matter what, sending you all my love."
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.
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