Lindsey Vonn Targets Sunday Olympic Downhill Despite Torn ACL, Coach Says Ready
Updated (2 articles)
ACL Rupture Occurs Just Days Before Opening Ceremony Vonn crashed in a World Cup downhill at Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, four days before the Milan‑Cortina opening ceremony, completely rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and sustaining bone bruising and meniscal damage [2]. The injury adds to prior right‑knee titanium implant and earlier meniscus issues [1]. Despite the severity, Vonn announced she will attempt the women’s downhill on Sunday, February 8 [1].
Medical Evaluation Shows No Swelling or Pain After three days of intensive physical‑therapy, Vonn returned to the slopes using a knee brace, reporting no limp, swelling, or pain [2]. Daily monitoring by her medical team confirmed the knee remained “OK,” and she performed box jumps, weighted‑vest pool work, and high‑speed ski runs without adverse symptoms [1]. The absence of swelling allowed her to skip immediate surgery and keep the Olympics as her sole priority [1].
Coach Chris Knight Declares No Doubt About Competition Head coach Chris Knight told the Associated Press he has “no doubts” that Vonn can compete, describing her condition as acceptable and emphasizing her readiness for Sunday’s race [1]. Knight highlighted the revised training plan, including crutch‑assisted mobility and targeted strength work, while noting that surgery has not been discussed [1]. His confidence aligns with teammates and physicians who cite precedents of athletes racing successfully with torn ACLs [2].
Olympic Schedule and Training Adjustments Ahead of Sunday Downhill Heavy snowfall forced cancellation of Thursday’s downhill training, but Friday and Saturday sessions remain scheduled, and Vonn must complete at least one qualifying run before the Sunday event [1]. She also intends to enter the super‑G and the new team combined events, expanding her Olympic program despite the injury [2]. The combination of rigorous rehab, coach assurance, and flexible scheduling positions Vonn to compete on February 8, pending final medical clearance.
Sources
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1.
AP: Lindsey Vonn’s Coach Confident She Can Compete in Olympic Downhill Despite Torn ACL: focuses on coach Chris Knight’s certainty, detailed rehab regimen, lack of surgery discussion, and training disruptions due to snowfall .
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2.
AP: Lindsey Vonn eyes Olympic start despite ruptured ACL: emphasizes Vonn’s personal confidence, brace use, intent to race in multiple events, and historical comeback context .
Timeline
Feb 2, 2026 – Vonn crashes in a World Cup downhill at Crans‑Montana, Switzerland, rupturing her left‑knee ACL, sustaining bone bruising and meniscal damage, a severe injury just four days before the Milan‑Cortina opening ceremony. [2]
Feb 3, 2026 – After three days of intensive physical therapy, Vonn skis again, shows no limp or swelling, and says a supportive knee brace gives her confidence to race on Sunday. [2]
Feb 3, 2026 – Vonn announces she will enter the women’s downhill, super‑G, and the new team‑combined events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with training slated for Thursday. [2]
2013 – Vonn tears her right knee, causing her to miss the 2014 Sochi Olympics, a setback she later overcomes. [2]
2019 – Vonn endures additional injuries that keep her off competition for part of the season, reinforcing her reputation for comebacks. [2]
2024 – Vonn receives a partial titanium knee implant in her right knee, enabling her return to World Cup competition after a six‑year hiatus. [2]
Feb 4, 2026 – Head coach Chris Knight tells reporters, “I have no doubts” that Vonn can compete, describing her condition as “OK” and emphasizing her readiness for the downhill race. [1]
Feb 4, 2026 – Vonn trains with a crutch, performs box jumps, does weighted‑vest pool work and completes high‑speed ski runs, reporting no swelling or pain despite the ACL tear. [1]
Feb 4, 2026 – Vonn says surgery “hasn’t been discussed” and that the Olympics remain her sole priority, while her medical team monitors her knee daily. [1]
Feb 4, 2026 – Doctors note additional knee issues—bone bruising and meniscal damage—and remain uncertain whether the meniscus injury stems from the recent crash or earlier mishaps. [1]
Feb 4, 2026 – Heavy snowfall cancels Thursday downhill training, but Friday and Saturday sessions are scheduled; Vonn must complete at least one qualifying run before the Sunday race. [1]
Feb 9, 2026 – Vonn aims to start the women’s downhill at the Milan‑Cortina Games, the first Olympic event she plans to compete in after her injury. [1][2]
Feb 10‑13, 2026 (approx.) – Vonn targets participation in the super‑G and team‑combined events later in the Olympic program, pending qualification and health clearance. [2]