Lindsey Vonn to Race at Olympics After Devastating ACL Tear
Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history, is defying the odds once again. At 41 and just five days after suffering a complete ACL tear in her left knee, Vonn is preparing to compete in the women’s downhill at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This is a comeback few could have imagined, even for an athlete of her caliber.
Vonn’s crash happened during a World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. She was airlifted to hospital with not only a torn ACL but also bone bruising and meniscus damage. For most athletes, this would signal the end of a season—or even a career. For Vonn, it is simply another challenge to face head-on.
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The former Olympic gold medalist and four-time overall World Cup champion retired from competitive skiing in 2019 after years of injuries. But partial knee replacement surgery on her right knee renewed her confidence, sparking a stunning comeback. In December, she became the oldest downhill World Cup winner, proving she could still compete at the highest level. Now, she faces the ultimate test: returning to Olympic competition under conditions that would sideline nearly anyone else.
At a press conference in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Vonn was clear about her mindset. She acknowledged the severity of her injury, the risks to her long-term knee health and the reality that her chances of medaling are lower than before the crash. But she emphasized that she would not walk away without trying. With a knee brace and her experience, she plans to take on the downhill course on Sunday, even if just reaching the start gate is a victory in itself.
Experts and fellow athletes have expressed admiration and caution. An Olympic physiotherapist noted that, with an ACL rupture, other ligaments and muscles must compensate, meaning the risk of further injury is high. Yet, Vonn’s mental strength and determination are extraordinary. Four-time Team GB Olympian Chemmy Alcott highlighted that while others might see disaster, Vonn’s resilience offers hope and a reminder of her unparalleled drive for gold.
The world will be watching as Vonn pushes the limits of human determination and athletic courage. Her story is more than a sporting comeback—it is a testament to perseverance, the refusal to let setbacks define the end and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
Stay tuned and keep watching as Lindsey Vonn takes to the slopes, proving once again why she remains one of the greatest and most inspiring athletes in the world.
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