Lindsey Vonn competes in 2026 Olympics with torn ACL, faces criticism

Lindsey Vonn competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics with a torn ACL, a serious injury. This is despite a crash on January 30, 2026, in Switzerland.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

The highly anticipated return of Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn to the Winter Games has been met with a mix of support and sharp criticism, particularly concerning her decision to compete despite a significant knee injury.

Vonn, a decorated Olympian, faced public scrutiny after competing with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This situation has ignited a debate about athlete decision-making, sportsmanship, and the public's perception of performance under physical duress.

Background and Timeline of Events

Lindsey Vonn's participation in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics became a focal point following an incident during a World Cup race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on January 30, 2026.

Lindsey Vonn Slams 'Haters' Who Called Her 'Selfish' for Taking an Olympics Spot with Torn ACL - 1

  • Vonn suffered a torn ACL during this race.

  • Despite the injury, she expressed her intention to compete in the Olympics, stating, "If it’s stable and I feel confident, I’ll continue to race, that is my goal."

  • This decision led to public commentary, with some labeling her actions as "selfish" for taking a spot that others might have filled.

  • During the women's World Cup downhill in Crans-Montana, the event was canceled after several racers did not finish, and Vonn was injured.

  • A comment was overheard, stating, "some athletes count more than others," which Vonn later reacted to on social media, questioning "sportsmanship?"

  • Vonn subsequently competed in the women's downhill final at the Milan Cortina Olympics.

  • She suffered a crash approximately 13 seconds into the event.

  • Following the crash and the subsequent public discourse, Vonn addressed the criticism directly.

Evidence and Public Statements

Statements from Vonn and reports surrounding her injury and participation offer insight into the situation:

"I don’t have an identity issue, I know exactly who I am. Bottom line, I don’t think this was a bread and butter, fresh ACL tear like everyone is thinking.” – Lindsey Vonn, on social media, addressing doubts about her injury.

  • Vonn confirmed she had completely ruptured her ACL in the January 30th race.

  • She stated that the decision to race was made after consulting with her "team of physicians and trainers."

  • Reports indicate Vonn had a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee prior to her return to elite racing.

  • Despite the criticism, Vonn maintained a stance of determination, with one report noting her belief that she "wants to race, and she believes she can do it."

  • Vonn also shared a message with an op-ed writer who had criticized her decision to race, suggesting a pre-existing debate surrounding her participation.

  • After the Olympic crash, Vonn stated, "I Have No Regrets," explaining that her fall was a result of a mistake, not directly the ACL injury itself.

Differing Perspectives on Vonn's Decision

The events surrounding Vonn's participation have elicited contrasting viewpoints:

Lindsey Vonn Slams 'Haters' Who Called Her 'Selfish' for Taking an Olympics Spot with Torn ACL - 2

Argument for Vonn's Right to Compete

  • Athlete Autonomy: Proponents argue that athletes, especially those with a history of overcoming injuries, have the right to make decisions about their careers and participation based on their own medical evaluations and aspirations.

  • Demonstrated Resilience: Vonn's past performances, including racing with other significant injuries like a torn LCL and leg fractures, are cited as evidence of her capability and determination.

  • Personal Goals: The desire to compete in the Olympics is a primary goal for elite athletes, and Vonn's statements suggest she believed she could still perform.

  • Support Systems: Vonn's consultation with medical professionals indicates a considered approach, rather than a reckless one.

Concerns Raised by Critics

  • "Selfishness" Accusations: Critics have framed Vonn's decision to take an Olympic spot with a torn ACL as potentially "selfish," implying it deprived another athlete of an opportunity.

  • Perceived Risk: Some may view competing with a serious injury as an unnecessary risk to the athlete's long-term health.

  • Sportsmanship Debate: The overheard comment, "some athletes count more than others," points to a perception among some peers that Vonn's status might have influenced decisions or expectations.

  • Impact on Team/Event: In team sports or events where one athlete's performance can affect others, there can be greater pressure to ensure full fitness.

Expert Commentary

Commentary from sports figures and analysts highlights the complexity of Vonn's situation:

"Think Lindsey Vonn should give up her spot at Winter Olympics? Kick rocks." – Nancy Armour, USA Today columnist, expressing strong support for Vonn's decision.

  • Commentators noted that Vonn "doesn't owe anyone anything" and has the right to pursue her competitive goals.

  • The nature of downhill skiing, where "the difference between a strategic line and a catastrophic injury can be as small as 5 inches," underscores the inherent risks athletes face.

  • Support has come from figures outside of skiing, such as IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi, who chimed in to support Vonn's recovery.

Conclusion and Implications

Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics with a torn ACL, and the subsequent criticism she faced, reveals a broader discussion about athlete agency, public perception, and the pressures of elite competition.

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  • Vonn's stance: Vonn has publicly stated she is not bothered by the criticism, asserting her self-awareness and refuting the notion of identity issues related to her injury.

  • The crash: Her Olympic comeback concluded with a crash, which she attributed to a personal mistake rather than a direct consequence of her ACL injury.

  • Uncertainty remains: While Vonn has expressed no regrets, the precise extent of her physical condition at the time of the race, and how it may have influenced her performance or the perceived risk, is a matter of ongoing observation.

  • Public discourse: The event has highlighted the stark divide between unwavering support for an athlete's determination and concerns about the implications of competing with significant injuries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lindsey Vonn compete in the 2026 Olympics with a torn ACL?
Lindsey Vonn competed in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite having a torn ACL, an injury she got on January 30, 2026. She stated she consulted with doctors and trainers and believed she could still compete.
Q: What happened to Lindsey Vonn during the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Lindsey Vonn competed in the women's downhill final at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. She crashed about 13 seconds into the event, but stated she had no regrets and the crash was due to a mistake.
Q: Why did some people criticize Lindsey Vonn for competing with an injury in 2026?
Some critics called Lindsey Vonn 'selfish' for taking an Olympic spot with a torn ACL, suggesting another athlete could have filled it. There was also a debate about sportsmanship and the risks of competing with a serious injury.
Q: What did Lindsey Vonn say about the criticism she received in 2026?
Lindsey Vonn addressed the criticism on social media, stating she did not have an identity issue and knew who she was. She also questioned the sportsmanship of those who criticized her after her injury and subsequent crash.
Q: Did Lindsey Vonn have any prior knee issues before the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, Lindsey Vonn had a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee before returning to elite racing. She also had other injuries in the past, including a torn LCL and leg fractures.