Lindsey Vonn is holding onto her dream of competing in the Olympic Games one last time with an iron grip. On Friday, Jan. 30, the 41-year-old ski racer crashed during a World Cup race at Switzerland’s Crans-Montana resort. She was airlifted to a hospital.
Doctors determined she had ruptured her ACL, bruised a bone, and had meniscal tears — all just 1 week ahead of the Milano–Cortina Games.
But despite the seriousness of her injury, Vonn took to social media on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to let the world know she hasn’t given up.
“After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday,” she said. “Of course I will still need to do one training run, as is required to race on Sunday, but… I am confident in my body’s ability to perform.”
“I know what my chances in these Olympics were before this crash, and even though my chances aren’t the same now, there is still a chance,” she continued. “And as long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It’s not over yet!”
Vonn to Compete With Torn ACL & Knee Brace
This is not Vonn’s first go-around with knee injuries. In 2007, she first tore her right ACL, which ended her World Cup season early. Then, in 2013, she experienced a series of crashes, the last of which left her with a torn ACL and MCL and a fractured knee. As a result, she had to sit out the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Despite crashing on Friday, Vonn has already gotten back on skis. Repeatedly, Vonn has called the Milano–Cortina Games her last Olympic run. With no races to save her knees for after, it seems that she is going full send despite the risk of reinjury.
“My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday,” Vonn said in her Instagram post.
Vonn is scheduled to race in the women’s downhill event on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre. To be eligible to compete, she must complete one official training run, which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5. Depending on how she feels and whether her knee holds up, Vonn is also scheduled for the Super-G on Thursday, Feb. 12.
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