Lindsey Vonn crashed during a downhill race on January 30 and was forced to leave the course by helicopter. Doctors later confirmed she had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that typically ends an athlete’s season. Despite this, the three-time Olympic medalist announced she would still compete in what will be her fifth Winter Olympics. Just days later, she completed a full downhill training run in Cortina d’Ampezzo without complications.
Medical experts stress that competing without a functioning ACL is highly unusual and risky. The ligament plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee, particularly during high-speed, twisting movements common in alpine skiing. Vonn’s case is especially complex given her long history of knee injuries and surgeries, including previous ACL tears and a partial knee replacement on her right knee. This latest injury affects her left knee, which had previously been her stronger side.
When the ACL is torn, athletes typically experience immediate pain, swelling, instability and muscle shutdown in the upper leg, along with a psychological fear of re-injury. Rehabilitation often includes strength, balance and neuromuscular exercises to help the muscles compensate for the missing ligament. Vonn has been seen performing demanding strength and stability drills, suggesting she is testing both physical readiness and mental confidence.
ACL tears do not heal on their own, and most elite athletes opt for reconstructive surgery followed by months of rehabilitation. Vonn has said surgery is not being considered for now, as her focus is solely on the Olympics. While some skiers have competed without an ACL, experts caution that doing so greatly increases the risk of further damage, especially to the meniscus and surrounding structures.
As Vonn prepares to race, specialists expect she may not perform at full capacity and could show signs of compensating for the injured knee. Close monitoring of pain, swelling and joint stability will be essential after each run. Even so, doctors acknowledge that attempting to compete at this level with such an injury is extraordinary, underscoring both the risks involved and Vonn’s exceptional experience and resilience.
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