American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn has vowed to press on despite suffering a serious setback. The three-time Olympic medalist revealed on Tuesday that she ruptured her ACL in a World Cup crash, yet remains determined to compete at the Winter Olympics.
The announcement underlined her grit and determination to represent her country on one of sport’s biggest stages, and it drew widespread admiration, including support from the tennis world, as stars such as Jessica Pegula and Sloane Stephens reacted.
Sloane Stephens, Billie Jean King, Jessica Pegula, and Others Show Support As Lindsey Vonn Targets Olympic Return Despite Torn ACL
Vonn suffered the injury on Friday during the Alpine Ski World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana after losing control of a jump and crashing into the safety barriers. She was immediately attended to by officials and later airlifted to a hospital, where medical examinations confirmed a ruptured ACL. Even so, Vonn revealed that the swelling has since subsided and that she is not experiencing any pain.
“After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday. Of course I will still need to do one training run, as is required to race on Sunday, but… I am confident in my body’s ability to perform,” she announced in a lengthy message on Instagram.
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“Despite my injuries my knee is stable, I do not have swelling and my muscles are firing and reacting as they should. I will obviously be continuing to evaluate with my medical team on a daily basis to make sure we are making smart decisions but I have every intention of competing on Sunday,” she added.
It was indeed a major setback for Vonn, who was ranked No. 1 in the women’s downhill standings before Friday’s crash. However, the update that her swelling had completely subsided and she was ready to compete was an encouraging sign for fans in the United States, including several tennis players, who also expressed relief and support.
2017 US Open champion, Sloane Stephens wrote, “Yessss! LV!!!! Let’s gooooo.” Meanwhile, current World No. 6 and 2026 Australian Open semifinalist Jessica Pegula wrote, “Warrior let’s go.” The post also drew a strong message from American legend and 12-time Major champion Billie Jean King, who wrote, “You are remarkable and we are behind yoy 100%.”
Argentinian legend and former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro also wrote, “You are an inspiration!!! You can do it.” Former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters commented, “Let’s go Lindsey! Love you!.”
Apart from that, Bulgarian ATP star Grigor Dimitrov’s girlfriend and Mexican actress Eiza González also shared a heartfelt message, writing, “You’re the best! You’ve already proven against all the odds and for that you’re a huge role model. We are proud of you!” Moreover, WNBA star Cameron Brink wrote, “You are amazing truly one of my best mentors through injury. Always cheering for you.” Former track and field star Allyson Felix wrote, A fighter!!! LFG!
Vonn stepped away from competitive skiing in February 2019 after a career repeatedly interrupted by serious injuries, ranging from torn ligaments to broken bones and chronic knee issues. Her physical struggles culminated in knee replacement surgery in April 2024.
Even so, she defied expectations by announcing a comeback later that year in November. Vonn last appeared at the Winter Olympics in 2018 in PyeongChang, where she capped her campaign with a bronze medal.
