Skiing icon confirms Winter Olympic comeback after being airlifted to hospital days ago as injuries revealed
Lindsey Vonn has declared she will take to the slopes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this Sunday, despite suffering a complete rupture of her anterior cruciate ligament just days ago.
The 41-year-old American skiing icon addressed reporters at a press conference in Cortina on Tuesday, confirming her participation in the women’s downhill on February 8.
She said: “With the help of a knee brace, I’m confident I’ll be competing on Sunday.”
Her announcement came amid widespread doubt over whether the Olympic gold medallist could race following her frightening accident at a World Cup event in Crans-Montana, Switzerland last Friday.
Vonn’s crash occurred during the final World Cup downhill before the Games, when she lost control whilst attempting to land a jump on the Swiss course.
The veteran skier careered into the safety netting at the side of the piste, sustaining significant damage to her left knee.
Medical assessments revealed she had completely torn her ACL, alongside bone bruising and meniscal damage.
Following the incident, Vonn was transported from the scene by helicopter to receive hospital treatment.
Lindsey Vonn has declared she will take to the slopes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this Sunday
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The race proved treacherous, with Norway’s Marte Monsen also requiring hospitalisation after a separate crash, leading organisers to cancel the event entirely.
In the days following her accident, Vonn underwent intensive physical therapy and sought advice from medical specialists whilst also training in the gymnasium.
On Tuesday, she tested her injured knee on the snow whilst wearing a supportive brace, reporting positive results.
She told journalists: “Considering how my knee feels, it feels stable, it feels strong.”
The American star acknowledged her medal prospects have diminished since the crash
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The American star acknowledged her medal prospects have diminished since the crash.
She said: “I know what my chances were before the crash and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today. But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.
“I’m not crying. My head is high, I’m standing tall and I’m going to do my best. “I will do everything in my power to be in the starting gate.”
Vonn’s determination to compete caps an extraordinary return to elite skiing after nearly six years away from the sport.
Lindsey Vonn is a four-time Olympic medalist | GETTYThe American legend made her comeback last season at the age of 40, racing with a partial titanium implant in her right knee.
This season, she has been the dominant force in downhill racing, claiming two victories and securing three additional podium finishes across five events.
Shortly after her crash, Vonn posted on social media: “If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback.”
Beyond Sunday’s downhill, she had also planned to enter the super-G and the new team combined event at these Games.
