Olympics
Lindsey Vonn revealed she has completely torn her ACL just days before the Olympic Games, but says she still plans to compete in the Olympic downhill on Sunday, February 8, calling the decision difficult but grounded in careful medical evaluation. In a statement posted to social media, Vonn said she suffered a full ACL tear last Friday, January 30, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, along with a bone bruise and meniscal damage following a crash. Bone bruising is common with ACL injuries, she noted, while the extent of the meniscus damage remains unclear, as some of it may have existed prior to the crash. The injury came just one week before the Olympics, timing Vonn described as emotionally devastating.
After what she called extensive consultations with doctors, intensive therapy, physical testing, and even skiing on the injured knee, Vonn said she believes she is capable of racing. She confirmed she will still need to complete one mandatory downhill training run to be cleared to start, but emphasized that her knee has remained stable, without swelling, and that her muscles are firing and reacting normally. Vonn said she will continue daily evaluations with her medical team to ensure the decision remains safe, but made clear that her intention is to race.
“I know what my chances in these Olympics were before this crash, and even though my chances aren’t the same now, there is still a chance,” Vonn wrote. “And as long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It’s not over yet!”
The announcement adds another chapter to Vonn’s long history of competing through injury, a defining theme of her career. Widely regarded as one of the greatest alpine ski racers of all time, Vonn has previously returned from multiple knee surgeries to win World Cup races and Olympic medals. Her decision to race with a torn ACL is almost certain to spark debate within the ski world, where the balance between competitive drive and long-term health remains a constant tension.
- Related: After Lindsey Vonn’s Crash: Controversy After Canceled Downhill Race as Racers Vent Frustration
Vonn closed her statement by thanking fans for their support, saying the messages she received helped give her strength during an emotionally overwhelming week. Whether Sunday’s downhill marks a triumphant gamble or simply another act of defiance against the limits of the human body—or a stubborn decision that may not pan out well—Vonn’s presence on the start list alone will be one of the defining storylines of the Games.
