‘I Know My Chances Aren’t The Same’ — Lindsey Vonn Tears ACL but Refuses to Sit Out the Winter Olympics

American alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has delivered a significant update on her participation in the Milan Winter Olympics, set to begin this week. At 41, Vonn earned her spot in Milan with a string of remarkable performances throughout the 2025-26 World Cup season, racking up victories and podium finishes.

However, her hopes for a final Olympic run were thrown into uncertainty after a dramatic crash during a downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30.

The Women’s downhill at the Milan Winter Olympics is scheduled for Sunday, February 8.

Lindsey Vonn Delivers Update On Competing In Milan

Vonn’s career has been marked by a series of tough injuries, with her 2019 retirement brought on by years of physical setbacks, especially to her knee. Yet, she staged a remarkable comeback last season after partial knee replacement surgery, returning to the slopes with renewed determination.

In a press conference this week, Vonn provided an update on her injury and whether she will be competing in Milan.

“Last Friday, I completely ruptured my ACL. I also have bone bruising, which is pretty common, and meniscus damage, which I’m not sure is from the crash or before,” Vonn announced.

“We have been doing extensive therapy, been consulting with doctors, been in the gym, and today I went skiing. Considering how my knee feels, it feels stable. I feel strong, my knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday.

“Not what I was hoping for going into these Games. 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,” she proclaimed.

This turn of events means Vonn is on track for her fifth Olympic appearance. Her legacy at the Games already includes a gold medal in downhill (2010) and two bronze medals in super-G (2010) and downhill (2018).

Inside Vonn’s Impressive 2025-26 Season

Vonn proved many doubters wrong after earning a podium finish at the World Cup finals in Sun Valley last season, and continued to do so this season as well. She opened her season with a downhill victory in St. Moritz (December 2025, her 83rd career win) and another downhill triumph in Zauchensee, Austria (January 10, 2026, her 84th).

She also earned 2nd in the Super G and 3rd in the downhill at the World Cup races in Tarvisio, along with back-to-back podium finishes at Val d’Isère. In the World Cup standings, she has 590 overall (6th place) and 400 in downhill (1st place).

Vonn now sets her sights on Milan, aiming to extend her remarkable run as she prepares to compete in the women’s downhill event.