Lindsey Vonn is once again rewriting the limits of elite sport.
Just one week after completely rupturing the ACL in her left knee, the American skiing icon shocked the world by successfully completing her first downhill training runs at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, proving that one of the greatest athletes of all time is far from finished.
At 41 years old, Vonn completed two full 100-second downhill runs on Friday, Feb. 6 — a moment few believed was possible after her dramatic crash during the World Cup in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on Jan. 30. What was supposed to be a routine Olympic warm-up instantly became one of the most inspiring comeback stories in Winter Games history.
From Devastating Crash to Olympic Slopes — in 7 Days
Vonn’s Olympic hopes were thrown into chaos after she lost control in low visibility and slammed into the safety nets in Switzerland. An MRI later confirmed the worst-case scenario: a fully ruptured ACL. For most athletes, that diagnosis would mean immediate withdrawal — or even retirement.
For Lindsey Vonn, it meant recalculating the fight.
“I’m here, I’m smiling, and no matter what, I know how lucky I am,” Vonn wrote in an Instagram post ahead of her training run. “I’m not going to waste this chance 💪🏻 Let’s go get it!!”
The training session, originally scheduled for Feb. 5, was delayed due to weather conditions — adding even more suspense to a moment already watched closely by fans, doctors, and fellow athletes around the world.
“My Olympic Dream Is Not Over”
Speaking at a press conference on Feb. 3, Vonn revealed she has been competing without pain, despite the severity of the injury.
“It was painful initially after the crash,” she admitted. “I had a feeling it was bad, but I held out hope until I saw the MRI. But I have not cried. I have not deviated from my plan. I think I’m still able to fight.”
Her goal is historic: Vonn is attempting to become the oldest female Alpine skier to ever compete at the Olympic Games, a milestone that would further cement her legendary status in the sport.
Team USA Backs Vonn Amid Debate
While her decision sparked intense debate online, Vonn found strong support within Team USA. Fellow American skier Breezy Johnson defended her teammate, explaining that skiing with an ACL injury is more common than fans realize.
“More athletes have competed without an ACL than you think,” Johnson wrote on Threads. “They just don’t talk about it because they don’t want to hear it from the peanut gallery.”
Johnson also emphasized that the U.S. team has depth, noting that if Vonn doesn’t feel competitive, other athletes can step in — underscoring that Vonn’s presence is about readiness, not ego.
All Eyes on Cortina: Downhill Medal Race Set for Feb. 8
Vonn’s successful training runs have dramatically shifted the narrative heading into Sunday’s downhill medal event on Feb. 8. Whether she finishes on the podium or not, her return alone has already become one of the defining moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After retiring in 2019 due to chronic knee injuries, many believed Vonn’s competitive days were over. Instead, she’s standing at the starting gate once more — smiling, fearless, and chasing history.
In a Games defined by speed, risk, and resilience, Lindsey Vonn has already won something bigger than a medal: belief.
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