Lindsey Vonn confirms participation in Winter Olympics despite injury
Lindsey Vonn has declared she will take to the slopes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this Sunday, despite suffering a complete rupture of her anterior cruciate ligament just days ago, reports BritPanorama.
The 41-year-old American skiing icon addressed reporters at a press conference in Cortina on Tuesday, confirming her participation in the women’s downhill on February 8.
Vonn’s crash occurred during the final World Cup downhill before the Games, when she lost control whilst attempting to land a jump on a Swiss course. The veteran skier careered into the safety netting at the side of the piste, sustaining significant damage to her left knee. Medical assessments revealed she had completely torn her ACL, along with bone bruising and meniscal damage.
Following the incident, Vonn was transported from the scene by helicopter to receive hospital treatment. The race proved treacherous, with Norway’s Marte Monsen also requiring hospitalisation after a separate crash, leading organisers to cancel the event entirely. In the days following her accident, Vonn underwent intensive physical therapy and sought advice from medical specialists while also training in the gymnasium.
On Tuesday, she tested her injured knee on the snow while wearing a supportive brace, reporting positive results. She stated, “Considering how my knee feels, it feels stable, it feels strong.”
The American star acknowledged her medal prospects have diminished since the crash, saying, “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.” Vonn expressed her determination, declaring, “I’m not crying. My head is high, I’m standing tall and I’m going to do my best. I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate.”
Vonn’s determination to compete caps an extraordinary return to elite skiing after nearly six years away from the sport. Over the last season, she has been a dominant force in downhill racing, claiming two victories and securing three additional podium finishes across five events. This Sunday, she aims to make her mark again on a global stage, a testament to her relentless spirit and competitive nature.
