Lindsey Vonn Eyes Olympics 5 Days After Tearing ACL

Five days before the biggest race of her comeback, Lindsey Vonn suffered what would end most athletes' careers, but the skiing legend is heading to the starting gate anyway.

The 41-year-old completely tore her ACL during a World Cup race on January 30, just days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Most athletes would need surgery and months of recovery, but Vonn told a packed room of journalists on Tuesday that she's confident she'll compete in Sunday's downhill.

"I will make it to the starting gate," she said from Cortina d'Ampezzo. The three-time Olympic medalist confirmed she's already been back on skis, testing her injured knee with the support of a knee brace.

The injury happened during her final World Cup race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. After the crash, Vonn's knee swelled and she needed an airlift to the hospital for evaluation. But just hours later, she posted on social media that her Olympic dream "is not over."

She wasn't exaggerating. Vonn has spent the past few days working with doctors, doing intensive therapy sessions, and hitting the gym. On Tuesday, she skied for the first time since the rupture and reported that her knee feels stable and strong, with minimal swelling.

"I know my chances aren't the same as before the crash, but I know there is still a chance," Vonn explained. "And as long as there's a chance, I will try."

Why This Inspires

Vonn's determination comes after already completing one of sports' greatest comebacks. She retired in 2019 due to chronic knee problems after decades of pushing her body to its limits. When she returned to competition in November 2024, few expected her to reach the podium, let alone dominate.

But the Minnesota native proved everyone wrong, landing on the podium in seven of her eight World Cup races this season. She won two downhill races and was leading the overall downhill standings before her injury. At 41, she was skiing faster than competitors half her age.

Now she's attempting something even more remarkable: competing at the Olympics with a completely torn ligament that typically requires surgical reconstruction. She still hopes to race not just the downhill but also the Super G and team combined events.

"My intention is to ski everything," she said. "If it remains the way it is now, I feel solid."

The first required training run is Thursday, giving her just two days to prove her knee can handle Olympic speeds. Whether she medals or simply finishes, Vonn has already shown that the limits we accept are often just suggestions waiting to be challenged.