Lindsey Vonn Tries to Win Medal at 2026 Olympics Despite Injury

Lindsey Vonn is aiming for a medal in the downhill ski race at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She is 41 years old and has a torn ACL, but she is determined to compete in her last Olympics.
By Newsroom | Winter Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are underway, with significant focus on alpine skier Lindsey Vonn's participation in the women's downhill event. Despite a torn ACL and a history of knee injuries, Vonn, at age 41, is attempting a remarkable comeback, aiming for a medal in her final Olympic appearance. The games also feature events in snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and figure skating.

Winter Olympics 2026: Vonn goes for downhill gold, plus snowboarding and more – live - 1

Olympic Schedule and Key Events

The XXV Olympic Winter Games commenced with a packed schedule of events. The women's downhill race, a highlight for many spectators, is a central focus. This event is supported by other alpine skiing competitions and a variety of winter sports, including:

Winter Olympics 2026: Vonn goes for downhill gold, plus snowboarding and more – live - 2

  • Alpine Skiing: Women's downhill, team combined, and super-G events.

  • Snowboarding: Parallel giant slalom (men's and women's), and big air qualifications.

  • Cross-Country Skiing: Men's 10km + 10km skiathlon.

  • Biathlon: Mixed 4x6km relay.

  • Curling: Mixed doubles round-robin matches.

  • Figure Skating: Team event (men's single, pair, and women's single skating).

  • Speed Skating: Men's 5000m.

  • Luge: Men's singles.

  • Ice Hockey: Women's group matches.

Lindsey Vonn's Downhill Challenge

Lindsey Vonn's planned participation in the women's downhill event is a significant narrative within these Olympics. At 41, and with a torn ACL, her presence on the slopes is a testament to her determination. This is her final Olympic appearance, making the prospect of her contending for gold even more compelling.

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Winter Olympics 2026: Vonn goes for downhill gold, plus snowboarding and more – live - 3

  • Injury History: Vonn has sustained a torn ACL, which required a titanium replacement in her right knee. This injury occurred during a previous competition where she fell, leading to a race interruption and cancellation.

  • Comeback Narrative: Her return to the Olympics after nearly six years of retirement, coupled with her current injury, marks a "most dramatic" comeback.

  • Event Participation: Vonn initially planned to compete in three events: women's downhill, team combined, and super-G. However, her participation in the latter two events is contingent on her performance and physical condition during the downhill race.

  • Historical Performance: Vonn holds a notable record of 12 World Cup wins in Cortina, a location that is part of the 2026 Games.

Olympic Program Details

The Olympic schedule features multiple events running concurrently. Times provided are local to the venue (CET), unless otherwise noted.

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Winter Olympics 2026: Vonn goes for downhill gold, plus snowboarding and more – live - 4
Time (CET)EventDetails
09:00SnowboardWomen's parallel GS qual.
09:30SnowboardMen's parallel GS qual.
10:05CurlingMixed doubles round-robin
11:30Alpine SkiingWomen's downhill final
12:30Cross-Country SkiingMen's 10km+10km skiathlon
13:00SnowboardWomen's parallel GS 1/8 finals
13:24SnowboardMen's parallel GS 1/8 finals
13:48SnowboardWomen's parallel GS QF
14:00SnowboardMen's parallel GS QF
14:05BiathlonMixed 4x6km relay final
14:12SnowboardWomen's parallel GS SF
14:19SnowboardMen's parallel GS SF
14:26SnowboardWomen's parallel GS finals
14:35CurlingMixed doubles round-robin
14:36SnowboardMen's parallel GS finals
16:00Speed SkatingMen's 5000m final
16:40Ice HockeyWomen's Group B
17:00LugeMen's singles run 3
18:34LugeMen's singles run 4 (final)
19:05CurlingMixed doubles round-robin
19:30Figure SkatingTeam event pairs free skating
19:30SnowboardWomen's big air qual.
20:45Figure SkatingTeam event women's free
21:10Ice HockeyWomen's Group A
21:55Figure SkatingTeam event men's free (final)

Note: Finals are shown in italics.

Athlete Spotlight: Lindsey Vonn's Physical State

Vonn's decision to compete with a torn ACL raises questions about her physical capacity and the measures taken to manage her condition. Her own statements suggest a level of preparedness for the challenge:

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"I know how to handle it."

Reports indicate that Vonn has a titanium replacement in her right knee. Despite a previous instance where a fall caused her to be unable to move for several minutes, she was able to get up and ski down the mountain, displaying remarkable resilience. The extent to which her injury will affect her performance in the downhill race remains a point of observation.

Broader Olympic Competition

Beyond Vonn's individual pursuit, the 2026 Winter Olympics encompass a wide array of athletic endeavors. Notable moments include:

  • Ilia Malinin's Debut: American figure skater Ilia Malinin made his Olympic debut in the men's single skating event.

  • Oliver Martin's Appearance: American snowboarder Oliver Martin participated in the men's big air final.

The games represent the second day of competition, promising further intense rivalries and potential record-breaking performances across various disciplines.

Analysis and Future Outlook

Lindsey Vonn's participation in the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a central and compelling story. Her attempt to compete at 41 with a torn ACL, a significant knee injury, highlights an extraordinary level of determination. The success of her bid for a medal will depend on her physical resilience and her ability to execute under pressure, especially considering the demanding nature of the downhill discipline. The broader Olympic program continues with numerous events, showcasing global talent in winter sports. The results of these events, including Vonn's performance, will be closely monitored.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lindsey Vonn competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, Lindsey Vonn is competing in the women's downhill ski race.
Q: How old is Lindsey Vonn?
Lindsey Vonn is 41 years old.
Q: Is Lindsey Vonn injured?
Yes, she has a torn ACL in her knee but is still trying to compete.
Q: What other events are happening at the Olympics?
Many events are happening, including snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and figure skating.