Lindsey Vonn sent her congratulations to Norwegian athlete Kajsa Vickhoff Lie after she announced that she would be the country’s flag bearer at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Vickhoff Lie is an alpine ski racer with two bronze medals from the World Championships.
Vonn is also set to take part in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite suffering a torn ACL in her left knee in her final preparatory event in Austria last weekend.
Lindsey Vonn Congratulates Norwegian Star for Winter Olympics Honor
Being named the flag bearer for an Olympic Games opening or closing ceremony is a big honor for any athlete. Vickhoff Lie will get to be the flag bearer for Norway at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, scheduled to take place in Milan on Friday.
The 27-year-old shared the news on Instagram and wrote about her excitement at receiving the honor. “I will be the flag bearer at the Winter Olympics 2026 Cortina opening ceremony for Norway. It is a huge honor, a great kickstart to my first Olympics, and I will carry it with much pride,” she captioned her post.
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Vickhoff Lie’s post received many congratulatory messages from the skiing community. Vonn also sent in her congratulations to her fellow skier. She commented under the post, “So cool!!!
Alongside Vickhoff Lie, speed skater Peder Kongshaug will be the other flag bearer for Norway. Meanwhile, the flag bearers for Team USA at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics will be speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca.
Vonn Set for Winter Olympics Despite Torn ACL
Despite rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee, Vonn is set to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics. ACL injuries often require close to a year to heal, so the decision to compete just a week after sustaining the injury is a remarkable one from the 41-year-old.
During a press conference this week, Vonn shared her determination to compete despite the setback.
“Last Friday, in Crans-Montana, in the last World Cup, I completely ruptured my ACL. I also have bone bruising, which is a common injury. My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday,” Vonn said.
“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 added.
Vonn has been enjoying an excellent 2026 season, with two World Cup wins and five further podium spots to her name. It remains to be seen just how much the injury will affect her in her bid to win a fourth Olympic medal.
The Minnesota native returned to skiing in late 2024 with the aim of competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, having first retired from the sport in 2019.
