Hollywood icon Reese Witherspoon has thrown her support behind alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, praising her unbreakable spirit after the athlete revealed a devastating knee injury just days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vonn, 41, detailed the extent of the damage from her high-speed crash during a World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, last Friday: a complete ACL tear in her left knee, accompanied by bone bruising and meniscal tears. The three-time Olympic medalist shared a photo of herself gripping the U.S. flag, underscoring her patriotic resolve.
Despite the setback—with the Games’ opening ceremony looming on Friday—Vonn remains resolute. After consultations with doctors, intensive physical therapy, and a test run on the slopes, she declared her knee stable, free of swelling, and her muscles responding effectively. “I am confident in my body’s ability to perform,” she wrote. “As long as there’s a chance, I will try. I will do everything in my power to be in that starting gate.”
Vonn plans to line up for the women’s downhill on Sunday, with potential starts in super-G and the team combined event to follow, pending further evaluation. The veteran skier described Cortina as “such a special place,” adding emotional weight to what could be a defining chapter in her storied career.
Witherspoon, among a wave of celebrity and fan encouragement, commented enthusiastically on Vonn’s post: “What a champion’s spirit! 💪 Let’s GOOOOO LV!”
The actress’s rallying cry echoes widespread admiration for Vonn’s resilience, forged through years of injuries and triumphant returns—including her remarkable comeback last season after a lengthy hiatus. As the Olympics kick off, Vonn’s determination to compete despite a ruptured ACL has captivated audiences, positioning her for what could become one of the most dramatic and inspiring stories in Winter Games history.
