Lindsey Vonn reveals surprising health update ahead of Olympic run
Lindsey Vonn plans to return to Olympics despite anterior cruciate ligament injury
Three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn opens up about her plan to compete in the Winter Olympics despite tearing her anterior cruciate ligament. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Rick Lehman weighs his chances and the risks involved, noting his mental toughness.
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Olympic gold medalist and American alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn She continued to defy the odds by completing her first women’s downhill training run on Friday, just a week after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup race.
Vonn successfully completed her run wearing bib No. 10 and a brace on her left knee, on a day when fog delayed skiers waiting in line at the famous Tofane Alpine Ski Resort in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
He appeared to have no limitations during the training run, although he veered off course at times and nearly missed some gates. Vonn completed the 1.6-mile course in 1:40.33 and crossed the all-important finish line.
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Lindsey Vonn of the United States trains for women’s downhill during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Tofane Alpine Ski Resort on February 6, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Eric Bolte/Imagn Images)
The 41-year-old champion skier, who holds the record of 12 World Cup wins in Cortina, including six on downhill, looked aggressive in the first training session.
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An ACL tear typically sidelines an athlete for about a year, but Vonn remains determined to manage the injury and compete. He detailed the severity of his critical knee ligament, writing to X on Friday that it was “100% gone.”
Lindsey Vonn of the United States practices women’s downhill training during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Tofane Alpine Ski Resort in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 6, 2026. (Michael Madrid/Imagn Images)
“My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% torn. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone,” Vonn wrote.
Vonn revealed the injury a day later broadcast video of him squatting with a barbell in the gym. He underwent partial right knee replacement surgery in 2024, highlighting a long history of knee problems.
Lindsey Vonn of the United States is in the finish area during women’s downhill training at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Tofane Alpine Ski Resort in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 6, 2026. (Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images)
Vonn celebrated with Team USA teammate Breezy Johnson after Friday’s practice but declined interviews. “Is everything okay?” he asked. he simply replied, “Yes.”
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The women’s alpine downhill races begin Sunday with Vonn in the starting gate.
“I know what my chances were before the accident and I know my chances are not the same as today, but I know there is still a chance. And as long as there is a chance, I will try,” he told reporters at the Cortina Curling Stadium on Tuesday.
Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
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