Lindsey Vonn airlifted from course after crash in final downhill before Olympics

• Vonn crashes into nets and clutches left knee

• Race in Crans-Montana abandoned after early falls

• My Olympic dream is not over,' insists US star

Lindsey Vonn crashed out of the final World Cup downhill before the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday, leaving the American skiing great limping and clutching her left knee as organizers abandoned the race amid worsening conditions.

The 41-year-old lost control after landing a jump on the upper section of the course in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, skidding sideways into the safety netting as snow fell steadily and visibility deteriorated. Vonn's airbag deployed on impact and she remained down for several moments while medical staff attended to her on the piste.