Lindsey Vonn’s Plans for Olympics Despite Injury
Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn has expressed her intention to compete in the Winter Olympics, even after sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Dr. Rick Lehman, a specialist in sports medicine, discusses her mental resilience and evaluates the associated risks and potential for recovery.
Remarkably, just a week after hurting her ACL during a World Cup event, Vonn completed her first women’s downhill training on Friday. Despite the fog and delays at the Tofane Alpine Ski Center in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Vonn, donning a number 10 bib and a knee brace, navigated the race without incident.
While she showed great determination, there were moments when she strayed off course, nearly missing a few gates. Nevertheless, Vonn successfully finished the 1.6-mile course in a time of 1:40.33.
The 41-year-old skier, renowned for her record 12 World Cup wins in Cortina—including six in downhill—displayed an aggressive style during her first training session.
Typically, a torn ACL can keep an athlete sidelined for about a year. Yet, Vonn is resolute about her comeback. She candidly shared the specifics of her injury on social media, stating that a critical ligament was “100% gone.”
“My ACL was functioning well until last Friday. Just because something seems impossible doesn’t mean it isn’t achievable. It’s completely torn,” she noted. She shared a video the following day showing herself at the gym, highlighting her long-standing knee issues that included a partial right knee replacement in 2024.
After her training session, Vonn celebrated with fellow Team USA member Breezy Johnson but opted not to give an interview. When asked if she was okay, her brief response was simply, “Yeah.”
The women’s alpine downhill race is set to begin on Sunday, and Vonn is expected to be among the competitors at the starting gate. She acknowledged her changed circumstances, saying, “I know my chances aren’t what they used to be, but as long as there’s a shot, I’m going to take it.”
