Lindsey Vonn’s ACL Injury: Can She Compete in the 2026 Olympics? | Expert Analysis

January 30th, just one week before the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, skier Lindsey Vonn crashed in her final training run, rupturing the ACL in her left knee. While such injuries typically necessitate lengthy recovery periods, Vonn – 41 years old and having come out of retirement for these Games – has pledged to compete through the injury in what will almost certainly be her final chance at Olympic glory.

The decision to attempt competition with a completely ruptured ACL is, according to experts, a risky one. Robin Queen, a professor of biomedical engineering at Virginia Tech, explains that while possible, several major challenges lie ahead for Vonn. “The ACL is particularly important for stabilization when someone is pivoting or twisting and when they are landing from a jump or out of the air,” Queen explained, describing movements central to downhill skiing.

Queen noted that while she hasn’t personally witnessed an athlete compete through such an injury, elite athletes in other sports – American football and basketball among them – have continued to play relatively quickly following an ACL rupture before undergoing reconstruction. “While Here’s uncommon, it is possible. It is important that she does not have a lot of swelling and feels that her knee is stable when she is skiing,” she said.

A common approach for athletes choosing to continue competing with a torn ACL is the use of a functional knee brace. This provides external stability to the knee, compensating for the ligament’s inability to perform that function. High-performance athletes like Vonn often possess heightened body awareness, allowing them to utilize the muscles surrounding the knee – particularly the hamstrings – to aid in stabilization. However, Queen cautions that simply being able to get into ski boots doesn’t equate to competing at the highest level of the sport.

“It is important to understand that there is a mental aspect to her being able to ski, and ski well,” Queen stated. “Often following an ACL rupture, there is a greater fear of movement and a fear of reinjury, so she will be managing the typical physical and mental demands of competing at an elite level while also potentially worrying about the stability of her knee and how it will feel while she is competing.”

Vonn’s determination to compete is particularly remarkable given her history. She retired in 2019 due to a series of injuries, and underwent a partial knee replacement in her right knee in 2024 before deciding to return to the slopes for one last Olympic run. Her comeback has been a compelling narrative, entering the Olympics leading in points in the women’s downhill – including two wins – and posing a threat to medal in both the downhill and Super G disciplines.

The timing of the injury is particularly devastating, coming after a tumble in Crans Montana, Switzerland. The crash happened so quickly that the live broadcast didn’t capture it in real time, leaving commentators questioning Vonn’s whereabouts before revealing she was sprawled in the course netting. Medical professionals rushed to her aid, and she was visibly in pain as she attempted to put weight on her left leg.

Despite the severity of the injury, Vonn expressed confidence in her ability to compete. She revealed she had been undergoing extensive therapy, consulting with doctors, and even managed a ski run on Tuesday, February 3rd. “Considering how my knee feels, I feel 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,” she said. She acknowledged that her chances were diminished but maintained, “as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”

Vonn’s participation hinges on completing at least one of the three downhill training runs this week before competing on Sunday, February 8th. The women’s downhill event will be streamed live at 5:30 a.m. ET on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Her attempt to overcome this significant injury and compete at the highest level is a testament to her enduring spirit and dedication to the sport.

The question now is whether Vonn can translate her confidence and preparation into a successful performance on the slopes. Experts acknowledge the possibility, but emphasize the inherent risks and the significant mental and physical hurdles she must overcome. Her story, regardless of the outcome, is already one of remarkable resilience and determination.