In a heartfelt show of support, rap legend and honorary Team USA coach Snoop Dogg has publicly praised alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn for her unwavering determination to compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, despite suffering a complete ACL tear just days before the Games.
The encouragement came amid widespread discussion of Vonn’s bold decision, following her high-speed crash in a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, last Friday. The 41-year-old three-time Olympic medalist detailed her injuries— a fully ruptured ACL in her left knee, bone bruising, and meniscal tears—in a candid Instagram update, yet affirmed her intent to race.
Speaking to Access Hollywood while gearing up for his role supporting Team USA at the Winter Games, Snoop Dogg delivered an inspiring message directly to Vonn. “Lindsay, let me say this to you, baby girl. You are a true champion. This is what it’s all about. Standing up for something and fighting for what you believe in,” he said.
He continued, emphasizing the broader impact: “And there’s so much inspiration and motivation that somebody’s going to get from this. Somebody’s going to be inspired. Somebody’s going to become the next great. So, thank you, Lindsay, for being you.”
Vonn, who returned to competitive skiing last season after a multi-year hiatus and has dominated the World Cup downhill circuit this year despite a titanium implant in her right knee, underwent medical evaluations, intensive therapy, and on-snow testing before declaring herself ready. On February 3, she posted: “After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests, as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday.”
She stressed her knee’s stability—no swelling, muscles firing properly—with the aid of a brace, while committing to daily check-ins with her medical team. “I know what my chances in these Olympics were before this crash, and even though my chances aren’t the same now, there is still a chance,” Vonn wrote. “And as long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It’s not over yet!”
Vonn aims to start in the women’s downhill on Sunday, with potential participation in super-G and the team combined event depending on ongoing assessments. As one of skiing’s most decorated athletes, her potential performance in Cortina—where she holds the World Cup record with 12 victories—could cement one of the most remarkable comebacks in Olympic history.
With the opening ceremony approaching and celebrities like Snoop Dogg rallying behind her, Vonn’s resilience continues to inspire fans worldwide.
