New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- Lindsey Vonn suffered a heavy fall during her last downhill race before the Winter Olympics on Friday and was airlifted from the slope for precautionary medical checks - a worrying development just days before the Milan Cortina Games. The 41-year-old American skiing icon crashed during a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, marking her third crash in the race.

Vonn lost control after landing awkwardly from a jump and slid into the safety nets in the upper section of the course.

After receiving around five minutes of medical attention, Vonn stood up and slowly made her way down to the finish area. She appeared to be in discomfort, using her ski poles for balance, stopping several times and repeatedly clutching her left...