Just one week after suffering a complete tear of her left ACL during a World Cup downhill crash in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 41-year-old American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn successfully completed a crucial training run on Friday ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
The injury occurred on January 30 when Vonn lost control after landing a jump, leading to her being airlifted for medical evaluation. Scans confirmed a full ACL rupture, along with a bone bruise and meniscal damage. Despite the setback—typically a season- or career-ending injury for most athletes—Vonn committed to pushing forward, undergoing intensive rehabilitation and testing her knee rigorously.
On Friday, she tackled the demanding Olimpia delle Tofane course for the women’s downhill training session, recording the 11th-fastest time (+1.39 seconds behind the leader). While training results do not count toward official standings, completing the run was mandatory for eligibility, and Vonn emerged smiling, confirming she is cleared to compete in Sunday’s downhill event at 5:30 a.m. EST—barring any complications.
Vonn expressed her determination earlier in the day on social media: “Nothing makes me happier! No one would have believed I would be here… but I made it!! I’m here, I’m smiling, and no matter what, I know how lucky I am. I’m not going to waste this chance. Let’s go get it!!”
The remarkable comeback drew widespread admiration, but it also sparked debate. Sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer, MD, posted on X questioning the injury’s nature, suggesting it might not be a “fresh” tear. He wrote that elite athletes sometimes compete on chronically torn ACLs, where the body adapts over time, and speculated Vonn’s knee could have been compromised beforehand, reducing typical symptoms like swelling or instability.
Vonn swiftly responded on X: “Lol thanks, doc. My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.”
Medical experts have noted that Vonn’s elite conditioning, prior experience with knee issues (including a partial right knee replacement in 2024), and aggressive rehab make her case exceptional, though still highly risky. She aims to add to her Olympic legacy, seeking a potential second gold medal (following her 2010 downhill win) and her fourth overall medal.
Vonn’s grit has inspired fans and teammates alike, highlighting the extraordinary resilience required at the highest levels of sport. Sunday’s race will test whether this improbable return can translate into podium contention on one of the world’s biggest stages.
