Lindsey Vonn Tries to Race in Olympics Again Despite Injury

Lindsey Vonn is planning to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics downhill ski race. She is 41 years old and has a torn ACL, but she says she knows how to handle it. Her past wins in Cortina could help her.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics present a compelling narrative surrounding veteran alpine skier Lindsey Vonn. At 41, Vonn is reportedly aiming for the women's downhill event, a pursuit made more intricate by a recent torn ACL. This endeavor marks a significant personal challenge, as she seeks to compete at the highest level despite a substantial physical hurdle, potentially capping a career defined by both remarkable achievements and a history of overcoming injuries.

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Context of Vonn's Olympic Pursuit

Lindsey Vonn's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, specifically the women's downhill race, has been a point of significant public and media attention. Reports indicate that Vonn has been training and is scheduled to compete in this event. However, her journey has been complicated by a reported torn ACL, a serious knee injury. Despite this, Vonn has expressed determination, with some reports suggesting a history of overcoming similar physical setbacks. Her age, 41, adds another layer to this story, as it places her among older competitors in a physically demanding sport. Vonn has also been noted for her past success in Cortina, Italy, a venue with historical significance for her career. Her participation in other events, such as the team combined and super-G, is being viewed on a day-by-day basis, contingent on her performance and physical condition in the downhill race.

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Evidence of Vonn's Condition and Intentions

Multiple sources confirm Lindsey Vonn's intent to compete in the women's downhill event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, even with a reported torn ACL.

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  • Injury Status: Reports from NBC News and AP News clearly state that Vonn is dealing with a torn ACL. NBC Olympics further details an incident where Vonn fell during a race in Crans Montana, leading to a race interruption and cancellation, with medical professionals attending to her. She reportedly attempted to ski down the mountain despite the apparent injury.

  • Competitive Spirit: Despite the injury, Vonn has expressed a resolute attitude. AP News quotes her saying, "I know how to handle it." Her determination is further highlighted by the description of her comeback at age 41 as "most dramatic."

  • Event Schedule: Sporting News and Sports Illustrated outline Vonn's potential event schedule. The women's downhill event is listed with specific broadcast times and channels. Her participation in the team combined and super-G events is noted as being dependent on her performance in the downhill race.

  • Past Success: AP News mentions Vonn holds a record of 12 World Cup wins in Cortina, underscoring her past prowess at a significant venue.

Vonn's Resilience and Strategic Approach

The information available suggests a calculated approach by Lindsey Vonn regarding her participation. Her stated ability to "handle it" and her history of competing through physical challenges indicate a strategic mindset.

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  • Experience with Injury: Vonn has a documented history of injuries throughout her career. The reports imply that her experience in managing and competing with physical ailments may be a factor in her decision to attempt the downhill event.

  • Event Dependency: The plan for Vonn to assess her participation in subsequent events based on her downhill performance suggests a cautious strategy. This indicates a focus on the immediate challenge of the downhill race rather than a pre-determined commitment to all planned events.

  • Age Factor: Competing at 41, particularly with a significant injury, presents a unique challenge. This element suggests a drive to achieve a final competitive goal or to conclude her Olympic career on her terms.

Broader Olympic Landscape

While Lindsey Vonn's story is prominent, the 2026 Winter Olympics encompass a wide array of events and athletes.

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  • Diverse Sports: The event schedule includes not only alpine skiing but also snowboarding (parallel giant slalom, big air), biathlon, figure skating, curling, and hockey.

  • Emerging Talent: Reports from CNN highlight the Olympic debut of American ice skater Ilia Malinin and snowboarder Oliver Martin, indicating the presence of new athletes alongside established figures.

  • Official Updates: The official Olympics.com live blog serves as a central hub for comprehensive updates on all events, results, and athlete reactions, providing a broad overview of the Games.

Expert Analysis and Athlete Perspective

Direct expert analysis on Lindsey Vonn's current performance capabilities given her injury is not explicitly provided in the source material. However, Vonn's own statements suggest a level of self-awareness and determination.

"I know how to handle it." - Lindsey Vonn (as cited by AP News)

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This quote, while brief, conveys confidence in her ability to manage her condition during competition. The media's focus on her "most dramatic" comeback and her history of resilience implies a general understanding of her competitive drive.

Conclusion and Outlook

The narrative surrounding Lindsey Vonn at the 2026 Winter Olympics is one of determination against physical adversity. Reports confirm her intention to compete in the women's downhill event, despite a torn ACL. Her past successes, particularly in Cortina, and her own statements suggest a strategic and resilient approach to this challenge. The viability of her participation in other events remains dependent on her performance and physical state in the downhill race. The broader context of the Olympics includes a wide range of sports and the emergence of new athletic talent, offering a multifaceted view of the ongoing Winter Games.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Lindsey Vonn race in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, she plans to race in the women's downhill event.
Q: Is Lindsey Vonn injured?
Yes, reports say she has a torn ACL.
Q: How old is Lindsey Vonn?
She is 41 years old.
Q: Where has Lindsey Vonn won before?
She has won 12 times in Cortina, Italy.