Lindsey Vonn says she will make her Olympic comeback at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games despite suffering a torn ACL.
The 41-year-old American made the announcement at a press conference from Cortina, Italy, on Tuesday.
“This is not, obviously, what I had hoped for,” Vonn said. “I’ve been working really hard to come into these Games in a much different position. I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today, but I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”
Vonn crashed in a World Cup race in Crans-Montana on Friday, losing control and ending up tangled in the safety nets on the upper portion of the course. She received medical attention for about five minutes and was airlifted from the course in a helicopter.
In addition to completely rupturing her ACL, Vonn said she has bone bruising “plus meniscal damage” in her left leg. After days of physical therapy, she skied with a brace on Tuesday and is preparing to compete in the Olympics.
“It feels stable, it feels strong,” she said.
“I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate.”
The Olympic gold medalist and Minnesota native reveals why she ditched winter weather for life in Miami.
Vonn has won three Olympic medals, including a gold medal in the women’s downhill event at the 2010 Vancouver Games. She most recently competed on the Olympic stage in 2018, earning downhill bronze in PyeongChang.
Vonn retired in February 2019 as the most decorated female alpine skier in history and announced her return to the sport nearly six years later. She was ranked first in women’s downhill entering her latest race in Switzerland and in position to be a medal contender once again in Milan Cortina.
“I am not letting this slip through my fingers,” she said. “I’m not crying. My head is high, I’m standing tall and I’m going to do my best and whatever the result is.”
Vonn’s Olympic slate is set to begin on Sunday, two days after the Opening Ceremony, with the women’s downhill. Training sessions for the women’s downhill are set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Sunday’s medal event.
She was also planning to compete in super-G and the new team combined event.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
No responses yet