Lindsey Vonn could face less competition at world championships

Lindsey Vonn could face a significantly slimmed-down field of racers at the world championships in Colorado next month.

The reigning world and Olympic downhill champions suffered injuries during this week’s super-G race in Italy and might be sidelined for the foreseeable future, the international ski federation said on Tuesday.

Medical tests revealed that Dominique Gisin, who shared the gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, fractured the tibial head in her right leg during a spectacular crash at Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Marion Rolland, the 2013 world champion, injured her knee hitting the nets and was transferred to France for further medical attention.

Daniela Merighetti, the third-place finisher in the downhill at Cortina d’Ampezzo, came back the next day for the super-G and smacked a gate mid-course, breaking her jaw and some teeth.

The 2015 world championships are scheduled for Vail/Beaver Creek in Colorado in early February.

Vonn is looking to add to a historic career that saw her set a record with her 63rd World Cup victory on Monday.