Lindsey Vonn’s Determination Ahead of the Winter Olympics

Days before the 2026 Winter Olympics kick off, veteran skier Lindsey Vonn found herself facing a setback—a torn ACL in her left knee, which occurred after a rough landing on a jump in Switzerland.

However, Vonn’s spirit seems unbroken. In fact, she’s aiming to compete in the upcoming Olympics, recently posting an impressive workout video despite having her left knee immobilized.

Chris Knight, her head coach, spoke to the media and emphasized that the 41-year-old athlete “can still realize this dream” of racing in the downhill event.

“I’m really confident she can achieve this,” he stated, adding, “There’s no question in my mind that this is going to be okay.”

Vonn is collaborating with two physical therapists, Lindsay Winninger and Andy Mitterfellner, alongside fitness trainer Peter Meliesnig. Together, they’re helping her stay ready, even with the injury.

“She’s been doing box jumps and testing her limits, seeing how she feels, and frankly, her recovery has been impressive,” Knight noted. “There’s no swelling or pain, which is promising.”

On Tuesday, Vonn mentioned that surgery “hasn’t actually started,” and for now, her focus is solely on the Olympics. “It’s not really on my radar screen right now. All I’m thinking about is the Olympics,” she expressed. “Every day, my knee is improving. We’re in constant communication with my medical team to ensure smart and safe choices.”

Besides the torn ACL, she’s also dealing with a bone bruise and a torn meniscus in her knee.

Knight acknowledged the reality of Vonn’s age, saying, “She’s not 20, she’s 40, and she isn’t contemplating anything beyond this year.” He also pointed out the inherent risks of attempting to skate at her desired level. “No one can predict with certainty what will happen. Still, we have all the right signs pointing forward. It’s an easy decision to keep on.”

It’s clear she’s pushing ahead, and now, thanks to her recent video, we have visual proof of her progress.