Lindsey Vonn to Compete in Final Olympic Downhill Race with Torn ACL

Decorated skier releases powerful message ahead of her last Olympic downhill event at Milan Cortina 2026.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Lindsey Vonn, the most decorated female alpine skier in history, will compete in her final Olympic downhill race on Sunday at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games despite a torn ACL and other injuries sustained in a recent World Cup crash. Vonn released a powerful message on social media, saying she will "stand in the starting gate tomorrow and know I am strong" and that "no matter what happens, I have already won."

Why it matters

Vonn's decision to compete with a serious knee injury at the end of her storied career is a testament to her determination and passion for the sport. Her appearance at the Milan Cortina Olympics will be a highly anticipated moment, as fans and fellow athletes celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest skiers of all time.

The details

Vonn suffered a complete ACL rupture, bone bruising, and meniscal damage in her left leg during a World Cup race on Friday. She announced her decision to compete just five days later, saying "I just love ski racing" and that she is not "unsure about life outside of sport" or "searching for meaning or for attention or money."

  • Vonn was injured on Friday, February 7, 2026 during a World Cup race.
  • Vonn announced her decision to compete in the Olympics on February 12, 2026.
  • Vonn's final Olympic downhill race is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 4:30am CT.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

The most decorated female alpine skier in history, with 82 World Cup victories. She is set to compete in her final Olympic downhill race at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games despite a serious knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“I will stand in the starting gate tomorrow and know I am strong. Know that I believe in myself. Know that the odds are stacked against me with my age, no ACL, and a titanium knee- but know that I still believe. And usually, when the odds are stacked against me the most, I pull the best of what's inside me out.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Instagram)

“I will race tomorrow in my final Olympic Downhill and while I can't guarantee a good result, I can guarantee I will give it everything I have. But no matter what happens, I have already won.”

— Lindsey Vonn (Instagram)

What’s next

Vonn's final Olympic downhill race is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 4:30am CT. Alpine Skiing at Milan Cortina 2026 will air on NBC Chicago and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Olympics app.

The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete in her final Olympic downhill race with a torn ACL and other serious injuries is a testament to her unparalleled determination and passion for the sport. Her appearance at the Milan Cortina Games will be a historic moment, as fans and fellow athletes celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest skiers of all time.