At 41, most athletes would call it quits after a devastating injury. But Lindsey Vonn isn’t most athletes.
Just over a week after completely rupturing her left ACL in a World Cup crash, the skiing icon is set to charge down the Olympic downhill course Sunday in what she calls her “most dramatic” comeback yet. Team USA is all in, flooding social media with messages of unbreakable support under the rallying cry: “Built to keep going. 💪”
Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist (including 2010 downhill gold), shocked the sports world by un-retiring in late 2024 to target these Milano Cortina Games. She dominated the World Cup downhill season, claiming the red leader bib with multiple podiums. Then came the crash in Crans-Montana — a torn ACL that would sideline almost anyone.
Not Vonn.
She powered through foggy, snowy training runs in Cortina, clocking the third-fastest time in the final official session Saturday. Her coach, Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal, called it a “good run” and predicted she’s “as ready as she’ll be” with a real shot at top 3. Vonn starts 13th in the 36-skier field, a number she’s worn successfully this season.
Teammates and fans have rallied hard. Mikaela Shiffrin praised Vonn’s tenacity, saying she’s “done incredible things.” Team USA’s official channels amplified the hype, reminding viewers the women’s downhill airs live at 5:30 AM ET on USA Network and Peacock, with replays throughout the day on NBC.
This isn’t just about another medal for Vonn — though a podium would make her the oldest alpine skiing Olympic medalist ever. It’s about resilience, proving limits are meant to be tested, and inspiring a new generation on one of skiing’s biggest stages.
As Vonn put it in the face of doubt: “If I fail, who cares.” She’s here to race, to push, and to keep going.
Catch the action Sunday morning — because legends like Lindsey Vonn don’t back down. They charge forward. 🇺🇸⛷️
