FOLLOW US

Lindsey Vonn, the 41-year-old Alpine skiing legend, took to the slopes for a final training run ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, despite suffering a complete rupture of her left ACL during a World Cup race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, last week. Vonn has made it clear that she is determined to compete in Sunday’s women’s downhill event, her first Olympic race of the Games.

Vonn addressed the severity of her injury on social media, responding to a doctor who questioned her ability to compete. She wrote, "My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone." Her candid post underscores her resilience and commitment to racing despite the significant physical challenge.

Saturday marked her second official downhill training run ahead of the Olympic event. The first session, originally scheduled for Thursday, was canceled due to adverse weather conditions, and Friday’s run faced delays. Vonn completed both training sessions without any visible issues, demonstrating that she remains competitive and ready to face the demanding downhill course.

Teammates and coaches have expressed confidence in Vonn’s ability to overcome her injury. U.S. skier Isabella Wright said, "If anyone can come back from this, if anyone could do it, it’s Lindsey." Fellow alpine skier Breezy Johnson added, "If it’s your last Games, and you already probably have a lot of knee damage, then there’s not much to lose." Their comments highlight the respect and admiration Vonn commands among her peers.

This will be Vonn’s final Olympic appearance, marking the conclusion of a remarkable career that includes multiple Olympic medals, World Cup titles, and numerous victories in alpine skiing. Despite her age and injury, Vonn remains focused on delivering her best performance, a testament to her experience, determination, and mental toughness.

Fans and media have been closely following her recovery and preparation, with many inspired by her decision to compete against the odds. Her participation is expected to bring significant attention to Team USA’s Olympic skiing events and serve as a source of motivation for younger athletes.

In addition to physical training, Vonn has been working closely with her coaches and medical team to adjust her techniques and minimize strain on her injured knee. These measures are designed to maximize her performance while reducing the risk of further injury on the challenging downhill course.

Coaches, teammates, and supporters continue to rally around Vonn as she heads into Sunday’s race, emphasizing the Olympic values of perseverance, courage, and dedication. Her journey at Milano Cortina 2026 exemplifies the spirit of competition, inspiring fans and athletes around the world to push through challenges and pursue their goals relentlessly.