Lindsey Vonn Faces Uphill Battle for Milan-Cortina Olympics After ACL Tear

Orlando surgeon explains challenges for five-time Team USA skier's injury recovery and competition prospects.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Five-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn is facing an uphill battle to compete at the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics after suffering a ruptured ACL, according to Dr. Daniel Miller, an orthopedic surgeon at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. Dr. Miller outlined the significant challenges Vonn will need to overcome in her recovery and preparation for the games.

Why it matters

Vonn is one of the most decorated American skiers in history, with three Olympic medals and numerous World Cup titles. Her potential absence from the Milan-Cortina Olympics would be a major loss for Team USA and the global winter sports community.

The details

Vonn suffered the ACL tear in a recent training accident, putting her Olympic participation in serious jeopardy. Dr. Miller explained that a ruptured ACL typically requires 6-9 months of rehabilitation, leaving Vonn with a very tight timeline to regain full strength and fitness before the games. He noted that the explosive power and stability required for elite-level skiing poses significant challenges for an athlete recovering from such a severe knee injury.

  • Vonn suffered the ACL tear in a recent training accident.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy are scheduled to take place from February 6-22, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A five-time Olympic medalist and one of the most decorated American skiers in history.

Dr. Daniel Miller

An orthopedic surgeon at the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute who provided expert analysis on Vonn's injury and recovery prospects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lindsey Vonn is facing a very tight timeline to regain full strength and fitness before the Milan-Cortina Olympics. A ruptured ACL typically requires 6-9 months of rehabilitation, and the explosive power and stability required for elite-level skiing poses significant challenges for an athlete recovering from such a severe knee injury.”

— Dr. Daniel Miller, Orthopedic Surgeon, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute (WESH)

What’s next

Vonn and her medical team will need to closely monitor her recovery progress in the coming months to determine if she will be able to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's potential absence from the Milan-Cortina Olympics due to her ACL tear would be a major loss for Team USA and the global winter sports community, highlighting the immense challenges elite athletes face in recovering from severe injuries to compete at the highest level.