![[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jan 30, 2026; Crans-Montana, SWITZERLAND; Lindsey Vonn of the United States reacts after sustaining an apparent injury in the women's downhill alpine skiing race during the FIS World Cup.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/02103654/lindsey-vonn-shows-support-federica-02-02-26.jpg "Lindsey Vonn Shows Support As Federica Brignone Takes Another Step in Her Comeback")
Lindsey Vonn has long been known for supporting fellow skiers, and she recently did so again by cheering on Italian champion Federica Brignone following her Super-G appearance at the Crans-Montana World Cup, where she finished 18th on Jan. 31, Saturday.
Brignone had earlier returned to competition at the Kronplatz World Cup on Jan. 20, finishing sixth in the giant slalom nearly 300 days after suffering several displaced fractures to her left leg at the national championships last April.
Lindsey Vonn Cheers on Italian Skier Federica Brignone Following Her Return to Speed Skating
Brignone later shared a reflective note about her return to alpine skiing speed events, offering a realistic assessment of where she stands as she continues her comeback.
In an Instagram post, she acknowledged both the progress and the challenges that came with the return, writing, “Back in speed too! Some good and some bad turns…Trying to build my confidence! So proud and happy to be already here!”
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The post drew support from fellow alpine great Vonn, who reacted with a show of encouragement, commenting, “💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻”. Other skiing stars, including Sara Hector and Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, were also among those who shared messages of encouragement for the 35-year-old.
On the other hand, Vonn’s own journey took a dramatic turn in Crans-Montana. The American, who had been eyeing her fifth Olympic appearance after returning from partial knee replacement surgery, suffered a heavy crash that injured her left knee, although she made it clear her Olympic dream is far from over.
Vonn Addresses Setback After Downhill Crash Before the Olympics
Vonn opened up after the crash in an Instagram post, noting how the timing of the injury made the setback even more difficult with the Olympics fast approaching.
Shortly after sustaining the injury, she issued a public statement, saying, “This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”
The former Olympic champion also expressed gratitude toward the medical staff who assisted her immediately following the crash. Additionally, she extended her thoughts to fellow skier Marte Monsen, who was also involved in a serious crash on the same day.
