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Skiers Compete With Ruptured ACLs, Raising Questions
The image of Lindsey Vonn skiing the Olympic downhill course with a torn ACL has captivated the world.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The image of Lindsey Vonn skiing the Olympic downhill course with a torn ACL has captivated the world, raising a fundamental question: how can an athlete compete at the highest level with such a debilitating injury? While ACL tears typically sideline athletes for months, even years, downhill skiing presents a unique set of circumstances that allow some to continue competing. This raises broader questions about the future of injury management and the potential for athletes to push the boundaries of what's considered possible.
Why it matters
Vonn's case, and others like it, could signal a shift in how we approach sports injuries. While ACL reconstruction remains the gold standard for many athletes, advancements in bracing technology, rehabilitation techniques, and pain management could allow more individuals to compete with partial or even complete ACL tears.
The details
Traditional ACL injury recovery involves extensive rehabilitation focused on regaining strength and stability in the knee. However, downhill skiing, unlike sports requiring sudden stops and changes in direction like football or basketball, relies on a 'slide and glide' motion. This low-friction surface allows the knee to function more as a connected chain, reducing the stress that typically exacerbates an ACL tear. Elite athletes also possess a remarkable ability to manage pain, which, combined with the physical support of a brace and strong surrounding muscles, can enable them to function despite a significant injury.
- Lindsey Vonn skied the Olympic downhill course with a torn ACL.
- Australian Daisy Thomas entered the Games with a ruptured ACL.
- Jarryd Hughes competed in the Sochi 2014 Games just a fortnight after tearing his ACL.
- Laura Peel sustained a knee injury but is still aiming to compete.
The players
Lindsey Vonn
An American former World Cup alpine ski racer who competed in downhill skiing events.
Dr. Peter Larkins
A sports medicine expert who explains the unique mechanics of downhill skiing that allow some athletes to compete with ACL tears.
Daisy Thomas
An Australian skier who entered the Games with a ruptured ACL.
Jarryd Hughes
A skier who competed in the Sochi 2014 Games just a fortnight after tearing his ACL.
Laura Peel
A skier who sustained a knee injury but is still aiming to compete.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
