American skier Lindsey Vonn has revealed she has torn her left ACL but remains hopeful she can still compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The 41-year-old was taken to hospital by helicopter after crashing during the final World Cup race before the Games in Switzerland. Despite the injury, Vonn says her knee feels stable, strong and not swollen, and she believes she can race in the women’s downhill event in Cortina on Sunday.
“This is not what I wanted, but I know there is still a chance,” Vonn said. “As long as there’s a chance, I will try.”
Vonn returned to skiing in December 2024 after retiring in 2019 and undergoing partial knee replacement surgery. She arrived in Cortina in top form, leading the World Cup downhill standings with two wins and several podium finishes, making her one of the favourites for gold.
The injury has put her Olympic plans in doubt, but Vonn says just making it to the start line would be a big achievement. She has skied since the crash and says her knee feels good, though she will only know for sure once she tackles the full downhill course.
She also revealed she has bruising and damage to her meniscus alongside the ACL tear. Vonn says she will take things day by day and is unsure if she will compete in the Super-G and team events later in the Games.
Despite a career often disrupted by injuries, Vonn remains determined. “I don’t want any regrets,” she said. “I’m standing tall, giving it everything I have, and whatever happens, happens.”
