On the eve of what she has declared her final Olympic downhill run, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn stands at the starting gate not just as a competitor, but as a testament to unbreakable resilience. At 41 years old, with a partial titanium knee replacement, no ACL in one knee, and a freshly ruptured ACL in the other, Vonn prepares to race tomorrow in the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. Vonn retired from the sport in 2019 after years of punishing injuries, including multiple knee surgeries that forced her to step away. But in 2024, a partial knee replacement—inserting titanium components into her right knee—changed everything. Freed from chronic pain for the first time in years, she made a stunning comeback, returning to World Cup competition after nearly six years away and even claiming podium finishes this season.
“I retired for 6 years, and because of a partial knee replacement, I had the chance to compete one more time,” Vonn wrote in a heartfelt post shared ahead of the race. “But why? Everyone seems to be asking me that question. But I think the answer is simple… I just love ski racing.”
Vonn emphasized that her return isn’t about chasing lost meaning, attention, or money. “I know exactly who I am and what I am made of,” she said, crediting her parents for instilling hard work, determination, positivity, and mental toughness. Her mother, who passed away, continues to inspire her resilience, while her father will watch from the stands alongside family and friends.
The odds are undeniably stacked against her. Age, a missing ACL, and a titanium knee would end most careers. Yet Vonn thrives when the stakes are highest. “Usually, when the odds are stacked against me the most, I pull the best of what’s inside me out,” she declared.
Just one week ago, a crash in a World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana left her with a completely torn ACL in her left knee—a devastating blow that could have forced her to withdraw. Instead, after consultations with doctors, intense therapy, and successful training runs on the Olympic course (including strong performances despite a brace on her injured knee), Vonn confirmed she would compete.
“I will stand in the starting gate tomorrow and know I am strong. Know that I believe in myself,” she wrote. “I will race tomorrow in my final Olympic Downhill and while I can’t guarantee a good result, I can guarantee I will give it everything I have. But no matter what happens, I have already won.”
The outpouring of support from fans worldwide has fueled her energy. “The outpouring of love and support over the past few days has been overwhelming in the best way. It has given me energy and helped me more than I can describe. Thank you 🙏🏻 I believe 💪🏻”
As the world watches, Vonn’s story transcends medals. It’s about passion, perseverance, and proving that limits are often self-imposed. Tomorrow’s run may be her last in Olympic competition, but her legacy—as one of alpine skiing’s greatest champions and most inspiring comebacks—will endure long after the finish line.
