41, Retired, and a Torn ACL: Lindsey Vonn Just Shocked the World in Cortina!
Vonn One of the most legendary comebacks ever to have happened in sports history will be seen at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Lindsey Vonn, an American record holder as the most successful female downhill skier in history, announced her official return to skiing at 41 years old. The athlete has to get over lots of obstacles during her comeback attempt because she needs first to battle both environmental conditions and her existing age and her severe pre-competition injury.
The Injury That Almost Ended the Dream
Vonn experienced a devastating crash one week ago during a World Cup event which took place in Crans-Montana Switzerland. The diagnosis revealed two complete ACL tears which affected her left knee along with bone bruises and meniscal injuries. The situation would force any other athlete into retirement from their sport.
[Winter Olympics 2026: First Gold Medals and Shocking Wins on Saturday!]
However, Vonn, known for her “Mamba Mentality,” refused to quit. She arrived in Cortina d’Ampezzo with a custom knee brace and a singular focus—to compete in her fifth Olympic Games.
Saturday Training: Vonn Defies All Odds
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Vonn proved her critics wrong. During the final downhill training session at the Tofane Ski Centre, she didn’t just survive; she excelled.
- The Result: Vonn clocked the 3rd fastest time of the day, finishing just 0.37 seconds behind her teammate Breezy Johnson.
- The Condition: Despite foggy and snowy conditions that eventually led to the cancellation of the session after 21 racers, Vonn’s run was stable and aggressive.
- The Coach’s Verdict: Her coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, stated, “She is as ready as she will be. I believe she has a good chance at being top 3.”
[Video:- David Muir shares the latest on Lindsey Vonn’s recovery ahead of Olympics in Milan]
Lindsey Vonn: Olympic Career Overview
| Category | Statistics/Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 41 Years Old |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 (2010 Vancouver Downhill) |
| World Cup Wins | 82 Victories |
| Current Status | Competing with a torn ACL (Left Knee) |
Why Cortina is Special for Vonn
Lindsey has often said, “I wouldn’t even try this if it wasn’t in Cortina.” This venue is her “happy place.” She holds the record for the most World Cup wins at this specific course (12 wins). Her knowledge of all the turns and jumps at Olympia delle Tofane gives her a mental advantage that no other skier can achieve.
Upcoming Schedule for Lindsey Vonn (Feb 2026)
| Date | Event | Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 2026 | Women’s Downhill (Final) | 5:30 AM |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Women’s Team Combined | 4:30 AM |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Women’s Super-G | 5:30 AM |
The Challenges: Age and Physical Strain
While her training times are fast, the actual race on Sunday will be much more demanding.
- Knee Stability: Racing at 80+ mph without an ACL puts immense pressure on the surrounding muscles.
- Pain Management: Vonn is undergoing extensive physical therapy between runs to manage swelling.
- The Competition: Younger stars like Sofia Goggia and Mikaela Shiffrin are at their peak, making the podium battle intense.
Conclusion
Lindsey Vonn has already won by simply standing at the starting gate. At 41, after years of retirement and a major knee surgery in 2024, she is proving that passion knows no age. Whether she wins a medal on Sunday or not, her return is a testament to the human spirit.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Lindsey Vonn really competing with a torn ACL?
A. Yes, Vonn confirmed on February 3rd that she completely ruptured her ACL during a crash in Switzerland, but she is using a brace to stabilize the knee for the Olympics.
Q2. How old is Lindsey Vonn in the 2026 Olympics?
A. She is 41 years old, making her one of the oldest alpine skiers to ever compete at this level.
Q3. When is Lindsey Vonn’s main race?
A. Her main event, the Women’s Downhill, is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Q4. Where can I watch her compete?
A. In the USA, you can stream it live on Peacock or watch it on NBC Sports.