Lindsey Vonn, the American skiing legend, had to be flown from the course for medical treatment after she crashed during her final World Cup downhill race a week before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, casting doubt on her participation.The incident happened on Friday during a downhill competition in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in the midst of heavy snowfall and poor visibility. The skiing legend, after losing control, landed a jump awkwardly on the upper section of the course and was thrown sideways into the safety netting.Before the crash, she was the sixth racer to start and had recorded the quickest time at the first checkpoint. Footage showed her lifting her left arm and pole in an effort to maintain balance before being thrown off line and sliding into the netting.Lindsey Vonn lay still on the slope with her airbag deployed for around five minutes while medical personnel attended to her, causing immediate anxiety among the audience and other competitors.After the skier received her treatment, she got up and skied towards the finish line. She appeared to be struggling, as she frequently stopped, leaned heavily on her poles, and continued to grip her left knee. She hobbled into a medical tent after reaching the bottom and giving teammate Jacqueline Wiles a lengthy, tearful embrace.Soon after, she was flown from the finish line by helicopter while being carried by medical staff and suspended by a rope for additional testing.Urs Lehmann, CEO of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, acknowledged that Vonn was having knee pain, but stated that further testing was necessary to determine the full nature of the ailment.Race abandoned after multiple crashesAfter three of the first six skiers crashed in the hazardous conditions, the downhill race was eventually cancelled. Marte Monsen of Norway crashed close to the finish line and was transported on a stretcher with facial injuries. Nina Ortlieb of Austria fell in the same section of the course as Vonn but was able to ski away.Several of the skiers voiced their complaints about the condition of the course; one of them was Romane Miradoli of France, who claimed the course was “bumpy everywhere,” as the conditions made it practically hard to see.Olympic timeline adds pressure on Lindsey VonnLindsey Vonn's accident occurred precisely one week prior to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. On February 8, she is scheduled to compete in the women's downhill. She was also registered for the newly created team combined event and the super-G.The women's alpine events will be held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, a venue that is Vonn's favorite as she has won 12 World Cups there. Any serious injury to her could affect her ability to perform at her best.Vonn's comeback to the sport at the age of 40 after missing almost six years due to a partial titanium implant in her right knee is nothing less remarkable. Since her return to the sport, she has dominated the downhill circuit and has seven podium finishes with two wins in eight World Cup races. Because of her consistency, she was a major medal contender for Team USA and one of the top stars.Lindsey Vonn's history of injuriesThe American skier's whole career has been filled with numerous injuries. One of Lindsey Vonn's most serious injuries occurred back in 2013, when she tore multiple ligaments in her right knee, forcing her to be airlifted from the course. After that, injuries followed her again in 2014, which forced her to miss the 2014 Sochi Olympics.Despite having a career that has been riddled with injuries, Lindsey Vonn remains one of the most decorated skiers in history, having won the World Cup, crystal globes, Olympic medals, and World Championships.Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.