Lindsey Vonn Vows to Compete at 2026 Olympics Despite Torn ACL

Veteran skier determined to overcome severe knee injury in final Olympic bid

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:39am

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Just one week before the 2026 Winter Olympics, legendary skier Lindsey Vonn suffered a devastating ACL tear in her left knee during a training run. Despite the severity of the injury, the 41-year-old Vonn has pledged to compete through the pain, citing extensive therapy and a stable knee as reasons for her confidence. Experts warn that competing with a fully ruptured ACL poses major risks, but acknowledge the possibility if Vonn can overcome the physical and mental hurdles.

Why it matters

Vonn's comeback story has captivated fans, as the decorated Olympian retired in 2019 due to a series of injuries, only to return for one last Olympic run. Her determination to compete through this latest setback highlights her enduring spirit and commitment to the sport, but also raises questions about the safety and viability of her decision.

The details

In the final training run before the 2026 Olympics, Vonn crashed and ruptured the ACL in her left knee. ACL tears typically require lengthy recovery periods, but Vonn believes she can compete with the aid of a knee brace and her heightened body awareness. Experts warn that simply being able to ski does not guarantee elite-level performance, and Vonn will have to manage both physical and mental challenges, including a fear of re-injury.

  • On January 30th, Vonn suffered the ACL tear in her final pre-Olympic training run.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies are scheduled for February 8th.
  • Vonn must complete at least one of the three downhill training runs this week before competing on February 8th.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A 41-year-old American skier who is attempting a comeback for the 2026 Winter Olympics after retiring in 2019 due to a series of injuries. She recently underwent a partial knee replacement in her right knee.

Robin Queen

A professor of biomedical engineering at Virginia Tech who specializes in the biomechanics of ACL injuries and the challenges athletes face in competing with such an injury.

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What they’re saying

“The ACL is particularly important for stabilization when someone is pivoting or twisting and when they are landing from a jump or out of the air.”

— Robin Queen, Professor of Biomedical Engineering

“While uncommon, it is possible. It is important that she does not have a lot of swelling and feels that her knee is stable when she is skiing.”

— Robin Queen, Professor of Biomedical Engineering

“It is important to understand that there is a mental aspect to her being able to ski, and ski well. Often following an ACL rupture, there is a greater fear of movement and a fear of reinjury, so she will be managing the typical physical and mental demands of competing at an elite level while also potentially worrying about the stability of her knee and how it will feel while she is competing.”

— Robin Queen, Professor of Biomedical Engineering

“Considering how my knee feels, I feel stable, I feel strong, my knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday.”

— Lindsey Vonn

“As long as there's a chance, I will try.”

— Lindsey Vonn

What’s next

Vonn's participation hinges on completing at least one of the three downhill training runs this week before competing on Sunday, February 8th.

The takeaway

Vonn's determination to compete at the 2026 Olympics despite a severe ACL injury is a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, but experts caution that the physical and mental challenges she faces in overcoming this setback are significant, and her chances of success remain uncertain.