Lindsey Vonn Determined to Compete in Winter Olympics Despite Knee Injury
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American skier, is gearing up for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics set to begin this week, despite having suffered a serious knee injury recently. Vonn, who is 41, expressed her determination to compete, stating, “My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday.”
Vonn’s confidence follows a crash she experienced just four days ago during a World Cup downhill event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The incident resulted in a “complete ruptured” ACL, coupled with bone bruising and meniscal damage, according to Vonn. Despite these injuries, she managed to ski to the bottom of the course and was subsequently taken to a hospital.
After undergoing three days of physical therapy and receiving medical advice, Vonn was back on the slopes on Tuesday. She appeared to be in good spirits and showed no signs of limping as she addressed the media. “I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate,” she declared.
Her first race at the Winter Games is scheduled for Sunday in the women’s downhill, with plans to also compete in the super-G and the new team combined event. The opening training session for the women’s downhill is set for Thursday.
Teammate Bella Wright expressed faith in Vonn’s abilities, remarking, “If anyone can do it, it’s Lindsey.” Known for her resilience, Vonn has faced numerous crashes and injuries throughout her career. She described her current situation as potentially “the most dramatic” comeback yet.
Last season saw Vonn making a remarkable return to ski racing at the age of 40 after nearly six years away. With a partial titanium implant in her right knee, she has dominated the downhill circuit, securing two victories and reaching the podium in five races this season.
Including super-G, Vonn participated in eight World Cup races, achieving podium finishes in seven, with her lowest placement being fourth. Cortina, the location for women’s skiing during the Games, is familiar territory for Vonn, where she holds a record 12 World Cup wins.
Over her illustrious career, Vonn has won three Olympic medals: a gold in downhill and a bronze in super-G in 2010, and a bronze in downhill in 2018.
For more updates on the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, visit the AP Olympics hub.
