In a stunning display of determination and resilience, 41-year-old American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has announced she will compete in the women’s downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 8, just days after suffering a complete rupture of her left ACL.
The injury occurred during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30. Vonn crashed hard early in her run, slamming into the safety nets after losing control following a jump. She was airlifted to a hospital for evaluation, where scans confirmed a full ACL tear in her left knee, along with bone bruising and meniscal tears (some possibly pre-existing).
The timing could not have been worse—coming less than two weeks before the Olympics in Milano Cortina. Many assumed the setback would end her comeback story. Yet, Vonn refused to let it define her.
In a heartfelt social media post on February 3, she shared the diagnosis and her decision: “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 emphasized that her knee remains stable, with no swelling, and her muscles are responding normally. Vonn stressed she will continue daily evaluations with her medical team but is fully intent on racing.
“As long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It’s not over yet!” she wrote, adding that her “Olympic dream is not over.”
Vonn’s coach expressed similar confidence, telling reporters there is “no doubt” she will race, noting she has been doing jumps in rehab without pain. Medical experts have described the feat as risky but possible for an elite athlete like Vonn, who has a history of overcoming major injuries, including previous knee reconstructions (her right knee features titanium reinforcements).
This marks Vonn’s fifth Olympic appearance and potentially her most improbable. She made her World Cup debut at age 16 in 2000 and her Olympic bow at 17 in Salt Lake City 2002. Her medal haul includes three: downhill gold in Vancouver 2010 (making her the first American woman to win Olympic downhill gold), plus bronzes in super-G (2010) and downhill (PyeongChang 2018).
Beyond the Olympics, Vonn holds the women’s record for World Cup wins (83) and crystal globes (20), including a record eight in downhill. She has eight World Championship medals, two of them gold.
The women’s downhill is set for February 8 at the Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Vonn must complete at least one official training run beforehand—a requirement complicated by heavy snowfall that canceled the first session on February 5, giving her extra recovery time but delaying her on-snow assessment.
While her chances for gold may be slimmer post-injury, Vonn’s unyielding spirit has captivated fans worldwide. As she put it, she will fight to reach the starting gate and give everything she has. For the skiing icon, this could be the ultimate chapter in a legendary career built on comebacks.
