The Crash That Shook the Skiing World

The “hot and eye-catching” incident that defined the dangerous edge of Montillet’s career occurred during a training run for the downhill at the 2006 Turin Games. Traveling at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, the defending gold medalist lost control over a jump, slammed into the protective netting, and was eventually airlifted to a nearby hospital by helicopter. The footage of her impact left the sporting world in shock, as she suffered traumatic injuries to her ribs, back, and face. It was a visceral demonstration of the “extreme dangers” mentioned in today’s tributes, reminding fans that every run could be a racer’s last.

A Heroic Defense of the Title

What followed the accident was perhaps even more shocking than the crash itself. Just two days after being evacuated by helicopter, Carole Montillet—bruised and in significant pain—refused to withdraw. In a display of sheer grit that solidified her status as a French icon, she stood at the starting gate to defend her Salt Lake City gold. Though she finished 28th, her determination to finish the race was hailed as a triumph of the human spirit. Today, as she walks the slopes of Cortina in 2026, she reflects on those moments not with fear, but as a veteran who understands that the “mythical” nature of alpine skiing is earned through such trials.

Guiding the Next Generation at Milano Cortina

Now 52, Montillet is a vital figure at the 2026 Winter Olympics, serving as a commentator and an ambassador for the sport. She has been vocal about the technicality of the Cortina course, describing the “Schuss” wall and the “Scarpadon” passage as sections where history is made. While she is no longer the one hurtling down the ice, her insights bridge the gap between the legends of the past and the athletes of today. Her story remains a cornerstone of Olympic lore—a reminder that while the speed is exhilarating, the price of glory in the downhill is a courage that few truly possess.