Cortina d’Ampezzo: Three-time Olympic medallist and U.S. alpine skiing great Lindsey Vonn has expressed confidence that she will compete at her fifth Olympic Winter Games, despite suffering a complete rupture of her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) just days ahead of the women’s downhill at Cortina 2026.
“I will make it to the starting gate,” the 41-year-old told a packed room of journalists on Tuesday, as she remains focused on racing in Sunday’s downhill event.
Vonn sustained the injury during the now-cancelled Crans-Montana downhill on January 30, where she crashed heavily and was airlifted to hospital for assessment. Confirming the severity of the injury, she revealed that she had fully ruptured her ACL and also suffered bone bruising.
“My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday,” Vonn said.
With just five days remaining before the women’s downhill at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, the American said she has been undergoing extensive therapy, consulting doctors and continuing gym work. She also returned to skiing on Tuesday and was encouraged by how her knee responded.
“Considering how my knee feels, it feels stable; I feel strong,” she added.
The first of three official downhill training runs is scheduled for Thursday, with all competitors required to complete at least one session to be eligible to race.
Acknowledging the uphill task she faces, Vonn admitted her chances have been affected by the injury but insisted she remains determined to compete.
“I know my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today, but I know there is still a chance. And as long as there’s a chance, I will try,” she said.
Following the crash, Vonn posted on social media that her Olympic dream was “not over.” She is also hoping to compete in the women’s team combined event on February 10 and the Super-G on February 12.
“My intention is to ski everything,” Vonn said. “That’s obviously my goal. I’ll finish the season if I can, but I’ll know more once I complete a downhill training run and see how I feel.”
“If it remains the way it is now,” she added, “I feel solid.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Source: Olympics
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