Lindsey Vonn to compete in Winter Olympics days after suffering ‘completely ruptured’ ACL in World Cup crash
Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn confirmed Tuesday that she will compete in the Milan Cortina Games, just days after the American skier suffered a completely ruptured ACL following her crash at a World Cup race in Switzerland.
Vonn, 41, was airlifted from the course in Crans-Montana on Friday after she crashed while attempting to land a jump in her final run. She appeared to have injured her left knee, and speculation about her status at the Winter Olympics immediately came into question.
At a news conference on Tuesday, the U.S. ski star revealed the extent of her injuries and confirmed that she will still compete.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“I completely ruptured my ACL. I also have bone bruising, which is a common injury when you tear your ACL, plus meniscal damage, which we’re not sure if that was preexisting or from the crash,” she said.
“We have been doing extensive therapy, been consulting with doctors, been in the gym, and today I went skiing. And, considering how my knee feels, my knee feels 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.”
Vonn is scheduled for her first Olympic event in the women’s downhill on Sunday. She is also slated to compete in the super-G and the new team combined event. Vonn said, despite the uphill battle she faces because of her injuries, she still believes there’s “a chance.”
LINDSEY VONN VOWS ‘MY OLYMPIC DREAM IS NOT OVER’ AFTER TERRIFYING CRASH IN SWITZERLAND
“This is not, obviously, what I had hoped for. I’ve been working really hard to come into these Games in a much different position. I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today, but I know there’s still a chance. And as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”
Vonn has completed eight World Cup races and finished on the podium in seven of them. Her worst finish was fourth. She made a stunning comeback to the sport at 40 last year after nearly six years away from competition.
A three-time Olympic medalist, including gold in downhill, Vonn was expected to be a medal contender at Milan Cortina. Her last Olympic medal was a bronze in downhill in 2018.
“In downhill, it’s a very dangerous sport and anything can happen. And because I push the limits, I crash. And I’ve been injured more times than I would like to admit to myself even, but those are the cards I’ve been dealt in my life. And I’m going to play my cards the best that I can,” Vonn added Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.