A Dramatic Crash and Unlikely Recovery (Image Credits: Flickr)
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – American alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn completed a demanding downhill training run Friday, precisely one week after fully rupturing the ACL in her left knee.[1]
A Dramatic Crash and Unlikely Recovery
Vonn suffered the injury during a World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, when she lost control off a jump while preparing for a turn. Medical teams airlifted her from the mountain, a scenario that typically ends seasons for athletes. Yet the 41-year-old skier experienced minimal swelling, a factor that kept her Olympic hopes alive.[2]
Doctors urged caution, but Vonn insisted on a day-by-day approach. She underwent intensive therapy and posted videos of rigorous workouts, including weighted squats and box jumps, to demonstrate her knee’s stability. Her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, noted that Vonn was the first to declare she could race despite the tear. The team monitored her closely during free skiing sessions, observing no unnatural movements.[3][2]
Conquering the Olympia delle Tofane Course
Fog delayed Friday’s session by more than an hour, heightening tension on the 1.6-mile Olympia delle Tofane track. Vonn, wearing a heavy knee brace, launched aggressively, clocking 1:40.33 to finish 11th among 43 competitors. She navigated jumps and gates cleanly for the most part, with only minor slips off line.[4][2]
Teammate Jackie Wiles led the field at 1:38.94, but Vonn’s mere completion satisfied Olympic eligibility rules requiring at least one training run. She flashed a smile at the finish, shared a dap with Breezy Johnson, and snapped selfies with the U.S. speed team. Svindal praised her symmetry and reserves, stating she looked capable of contending Sunday.[4]
| Athlete | Training Time | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Jackie Wiles | 1:38.94 | 1st |
| Lindsey Vonn | 1:40.33 | 11th |
Vonn’s Tenacity and Storied Comeback
This marked Vonn’s first Olympics since 2018, following a return from nearly six years of retirement. A partial titanium replacement in her right knee in 2024 fueled her resurgence, where she claimed two World Cup wins last month. Her history includes multiple knee surgeries, yet she feels stronger now than before her 2019 medal effort.[1]
Vonn told reporters her knee felt stable and strong, bolstered by the brace. Before the run, she captioned an Instagram post, “Nothing makes me happier!” and later added, “No one would have believed I would be here… I’m not going to waste this chance.”[3] Svindal echoed her resolve: “When she’s that committed… there is a chance.”[2]
- Three-time Olympic medalist, including downhill gold in 2010.
- Record 82 World Cup wins.
- Chasing a fourth Olympic medal at age 41, oldest U.S. Alpine skier in Olympics history.
- Excelled on Cortina terrain with a dozen prior victories.
Path to Sunday’s Downhill Showdown
The women’s downhill race looms Sunday at 5:30 a.m. ET, where Vonn plans to start despite risks. Experts marvel at her approach, as ACL tears usually demand nine months of rehab. Her success underscores elite preparation, though Saturday’s training remains optional.[3]
- Vonn’s knee showed no major issues in a 100-second run, clearing a pivotal hurdle.
- Team unity shone through shared moments amid weather delays.
- Her mental fortitude positions her for a historic Olympic bid.
Lindsey Vonn’s grit transforms a potential tragedy into inspiration, proving limits bend for the determined. As she eyes the start gate, her story reminds us resilience often outpaces expectation. What do you think of her chances on Sunday? Tell us in the comments.
