CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – At 41 years old, Lindsey Vonn defied expectations and completed a successful downhill training run on at the Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, just one week after sustaining a torn ACL in her left knee. The run marks a remarkable step in her pursuit of Olympic gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Vonn, skiing with a substantial brace covering her knee, navigated the challenging course with aggression, though not without a moment of concern. She momentarily tightened her line midway down, narrowly avoiding a gate, but ultimately demonstrated her skill by leading at the final checkpoints. She stood up out of her tuck before the finish, exchanging fist pumps and a hug with teammate Breezy Johnson, who had completed her run ninth.
“Yep,” Vonn told the Associated Press when asked about the run’s success. Her return to competition so soon after such a significant injury is considered extraordinary, a testament to her determination and physical resilience.
The American skier’s comeback story is particularly compelling given her recent history. She underwent a partial titanium replacement in her right knee in 2024 and returned to racing last season after a nearly six-year retirement. Her crash during the final World Cup downhill race in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, last raised doubts about her ability to compete in the Olympics, but Vonn remained resolute.
Before her training run, Vonn expressed her gratitude and determination on social media, writing, “Nothing makes me happier! No one would have believed I would be here. But I made it!! I’m here, I’m smiling and no matter what, I know how lucky I am. I’m not going to waste this chance. Let’s go get it!!”
The women’s downhill competition is scheduled for , providing Vonn with a short window to prepare. Her participation is a significant storyline at these Games, captivating fans and inspiring fellow athletes.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially began with the opening ceremony scheduled for at 2:00 PM ET, and will be broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock. The first medals are expected to be awarded on .
Beyond Vonn’s inspiring return, the Games are set to feature a diverse range of events, including figure skating, curling, ice hockey, and skiing. The opening ceremony will include performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The mixed doubles curling round robin session 6 is also scheduled for , featuring matches between Italy and Estonia, Sweden and Norway, Czechia and the United States, and Korea and Great Britain. In ice hockey, the women’s preliminary round group A will see Czechia face Switzerland.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise to be a showcase of athletic excellence and international camaraderie, with Vonn’s story serving as a powerful symbol of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. The Games will run through , offering a wealth of sporting action and unforgettable moments.
