In a stunning display of grit and determination, American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has declared her intent to compete in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics despite suffering a completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee just days ago.
The 41-year-old four-time Olympic medalist crashed during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, tearing her ACL, sustaining bone bruising, and incurring meniscal damage. Airlifted from the course and facing what is typically a season-ending injury, Vonn underwent an MRI that confirmed the severity—but refused to let it derail her long-awaited Olympic comeback.
Speaking to reporters from Cortina d’Ampezzo on Tuesday, Vonn revealed she had already returned to skiing and described her knee as feeling “stable and strong.” While acknowledging the uncertainty ahead of the women’s downhill event scheduled for Sunday, she made her mindset crystal clear.
“My intention is to race everything,” Vonn said firmly. “That’s my goal. I’ll finish the season if I can. But I can’t tell you that until I have a downhill training run and see how I feel.”
Vonn, who has battled chronic knee issues throughout her career—including multiple surgeries and a partial knee replacement on her right knee in 2024—insisted she would push forward as long as a chance remains. “I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try,” she added. “I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate.”
The skiing icon, who came out of retirement to chase one final Olympic run, has her sights set not only on the downhill but also the super-G and the new team combined event. Her coach has expressed confidence in her ability to compete, noting no pain during recent workouts, including box jumps and pool sessions.
Experts note that skiing without a functioning ACL is extraordinarily challenging due to knee instability, but Vonn’s history of racing through similar injuries—including past ACL tears—gives her a unique edge. She missed the 2014 Sochi Olympics after tearing ligaments in her right knee, a setback she has often cited as motivation for this improbable return.
As training runs approach amid variable weather conditions in the Italian Alps, the sports world watches in awe. Vonn’s refusal to back down has already inspired fans and fellow athletes alike, turning what could have been a tragic end to her comeback story into one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 Games.
With her trademark tenacity, Lindsey Vonn is proving once again why she remains one of the greatest alpine skiers in history—ready to race everything, no matter the odds.
