Lindsey Vonn’s comeback journey has hit a temporary snag.
The 41-year-old downhill skier faced a setback after tearing her left ACL during a fall in Switzerland on Friday. Consequently, her first training session, which was set for Thursday, had to be scrapped because of heavy snowfall—around seven inches—and more was expected at the Olimpia delle Tofane course in Milan.
This news follows closely on the heels of Vonn’s announcement that she plans to compete in the upcoming 2026 Olympics despite these challenges.
She’ll have another chance to test her knee on Friday and Saturday, leading up to Sunday’s downhill race.
Per the rules of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, at least one training session must occur before the official competition. Yet, according to head coach Chris Knight, Vonn might only get to partake in one session.
“This isn’t foreign territory for me. I’ve faced situations like this before. I’d rather not be here, but I have to make the best of it,” Vonn shared with reporters on Tuesday.
On Thursday morning, she reflected on her recovery via an Instagram post where she shared a video of herself engaged in various exercises, including squats and box jumps, while sporting a knee brace.
“I’m not backing down! I’m putting in the effort to make this work. Big thanks to my team and everyone for the incredible support. Keep believing,” she wrote in the post.
She also mentioned her hope to participate in her favorite downhill events, although her ability to do that remains uncertain until she’s back on the slope.
The cancellation of the training session might actually provide this three-time Olympic medalist with some additional time to ready herself for what may be her biggest challenge yet, following an injury that resulted in bone bruises and a torn meniscus.
In November 2024, Vonn made it clear that she wouldn’t retire and instead aimed for a spot in the 2026 Olympics.
Before this announcement, she hadn’t raced since February 2019, leading to speculation that her skiing career was drawing to a close.
If she manages to secure a medal in Milan, it would only enhance an already impressive collection of accomplishments.
Over her extensive career of more than 20 years, Vonn has amassed every significant title, including four overall World Cup titles and three Olympic medals (one of which is gold).
She previously held the record for the most World Cup wins by a woman (82) until Mikaela Shiffrin beat that record in 2023.
This year marks Vonn’s fifth Olympic appearance.
However, her choice to keep racing despite her injury brings with it considerable risks.
Dr. James Giordano, an orthopedic surgeon from New Jersey, noted that the potential for both short- and long-term knee damage could increase.
He observed that her knee is likely still unstable due to the quick turnaround for Milan—something Vonn herself highlighted as a significant concern during the press conference.
Nonetheless, Vonn remains optimistic.
Having dealt with numerous injuries throughout her career, including knee reconstructions, fractures, and concussions, she indicated on Tuesday that her knee feels healthier than it has after past injuries.
