Lindsey Vonn Races Toward Olympic Gold Despite Knee Injury

UPDATE: Lindsey Vonn is set to compete for Olympic gold in downhill skiing despite a recent knee injury, showcasing remarkable resilience just over a week after rupturing her left knee’s ACL. The 41-year-old American finished her second consecutive successful training run on Saturday, February 10, 2025, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, crossing the line in third place, only 0.37 seconds behind her teammate Breezy Johnson.

Vonn, who has faced significant challenges in her career, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “All good,” after the run. Her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, a former Olympic champion himself, noted her calm demeanor and focus, indicating that Vonn feels in control despite her injury. “When she’s calm means that she feels like she has it under control,” Svindal explained, emphasizing the importance of pushing hard in the Olympic downhill race.

However, Vonn has been cautious, favoring her right leg during landings, which has occasionally thrown her off balance. “Try to have less of that tomorrow if we can,” Svindal advised, acknowledging that landings are particularly painful for Vonn. She is currently competing with a large brace on her injured knee, a necessary precaution following her previous surgery in 2024 that involved a partial titanium replacement in her right knee.

Vonn’s determination to race at the Milan Cortina Olympics comes after a turbulent lead-up to the event, including a crash in the final World Cup downhill that raised concerns about the potential end of her career. Nevertheless, she has remained steadfast in her goal to compete, stating she would ski at the Olympics if at all possible. Following a canceled training session earlier in the week, Vonn hit the Olympia delle Tofana course with fierce determination on Friday and Saturday.

Despite the challenges, her history speaks volumes; Vonn holds the record for 12 World Cup wins in Cortina, underscoring her prowess and competitive spirit. While Svindal mentioned that her brace could hinder her aerodynamics, he reassured, “We’re not focusing on that,” affirming Vonn’s commitment to race.

As the Olympic downhill event approaches on Sunday, February 11, 2025, all eyes will be on Lindsey Vonn to see if she can defy the odds and secure another medal on the world stage. The excitement is palpable, and her journey continues to inspire many. Fans and supporters are eager to witness this remarkable athlete push through adversity.

Stay tuned for more updates as the event unfolds!