Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Comeback Amidst Injury
American skier Lindsey Vonn, who retired nearly seven years ago, is making headlines this season with a notable comeback, having reached the podium in seven World Cup races this winter—an unexpected resurgence at 41 years old. However, her aspirations for the upcoming Winter Olympics have been complicated by a recent injury.
Why It Matters
Vonn’s journey is not just a personal triumph; it highlights the resilience and determination of athletes facing adversity. As she prepares to compete in a major international event, her story serves as inspiration to both fans and fellow athletes, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport known for its physical demands.
Key Developments
- Vonn suffered a significant injury, "completely rupturing" her left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament during a crash in Switzerland.
- Despite the injury, Vonn has expressed confidence in her ability to participate in the downhill event at the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 8, wearing a knee brace.
- Her hopes for a medal, however, have dimmed since the accident, as she acknowledges a shift in her competitive outlook.
- Vonn’s recent performances include wins in World Cup races and leading the FIS downhill standings for the season.
Full Report
Injury and Recovery
The crash took place during a downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, right before the Winter Olympics. Vonn lost her footing after a jump, leading to a fall that resulted in her knee injury. Following the accident, she skied cautiously down the slope before being airlifted for medical attention. The race was subsequently canceled due to the conditions, which had already seen two other racers crash.
In her pursuit of Olympic glory, Vonn had previously retired in 2019, citing repeated knee injuries. However, a partial knee replacement to her uninjured right knee in 2024 enabled her to train diligently again. This season, she achieved significant success, boasting a first-place finish in December and podium placements in multiple subsequent races.
Athletes’ Risks and Motivation
Vonn openly recognizes the inherent risks in skiing, stating that taking risks is part of the sport, even if it leads to injury. "Because I push the limits, I crash," she admitted, reflecting on her tumultuous career. Despite the setbacks, she remains committed to competing, believing that as long as there is a chance, she will continue pushing forward.
Cortina d’Ampezzo holds a special significance for Vonn, marking the location of her first major podium finish. She considers the site of the upcoming Olympic events nearly serendipitous, claiming she may not have attempted a comeback if the Olympics were held elsewhere.
The Olympic downhill competition is set for February 8, with additional events—including team competitions and the super-G—scheduled for February 10 and February 12, respectively. Vonn indicated that her participation in the latter events will depend on her performance in the downhill race.
Context & Previous Events
Lindsey Vonn originally announced her retirement in 2019 due to chronic knee issues that had hampered her ability to compete. Following her uninjured right knee’s partial replacement in 2024, she was able to return to skiing competitively. Before this season, Vonn planned to make a comeback primarily motivated by the location of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, a venue steeped in personal significance for her career.
