Lindsey Vonn Clears First Olympic Downhill Test After Knee Injury / Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Moning Edition/ Lindsey Vonn delivered a confident downhill training run at the Milan Cortina Olympics despite a recent ACL tear. The 41-year-old tested her injured left knee and finished just outside the top 10. Coaches said Vonn skied smartly and showed medal-contending potential.
Vonn Olympic Comeback: Quick Looks
- Lindsey Vonn completes downhill training one week after ACL tear
- Finishes 11th in first official Olympic training run
- Skiing with large brace on injured left knee
- Coaches say run showed control and untapped speed
- Vonn embraces Olympic return at age 41
- Medal race set for Sunday in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Deep Look: Lindsey Vonn Clears First Olympic Downhill Test After Knee Injury
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — One week after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, Lindsey Vonn took a major step toward her Olympic comeback Friday with a controlled yet aggressive downhill training run that tested both her injury and her resolve.
The four-time Olympic medalist made her first official training appearance on the Olympia delle Tofane course two days before Sunday’s race, skiing with a prominent brace on her left knee. Despite a mid-course line error that forced her to narrowly clear a gate, Vonn led through the final checkpoints before easing out of her tuck near the finish. She placed 11th overall.
“She was smart. She didn’t go all in,” said Aksel Lund Svindal, the former Olympic downhill champion who now serves as one of Vonn’s personal coaches. “She made a mistake at the bottom, but the rest was just solid skiing. And to me, it looked symmetrical.”
At the finish, Vonn exchanged fist pumps and a hug with teammate Breezy Johnson, who finished sixth after an extended delay caused by fog. Vonn confirmed to the Associated Press that the run felt good before heading off for additional knee rehabilitation.
Vonn is competing at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics following one of the most remarkable returns in alpine skiing history. She underwent a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee in 2024 and returned to racing last season after nearly six years away from competition.
Her Olympic dream appeared in serious doubt last Friday when she crashed during the final World Cup downhill before the Games in Switzerland. Airlifted from the course, Vonn later posted that her Olympic hopes were still alive — a message she reaffirmed Friday morning.
“Nothing makes me happier,” Vonn wrote on social media before training. “No one would have believed I would be here. But I made it. I’m smiling, and I’m not going to waste this chance.”
Vonn finished 1.39 seconds behind Jacqueline Wiles, who posted the fastest training time and is considered a strong medal contender. Given Vonn’s cautious approach and injury, questions remain about how much speed she can unlock by race day.
“I think she can contend,” Svindal said. “There were reserves today. When she skis well, she can win. It’s going to be hard, but she can bring it on Sunday.”
Thursday’s scheduled training was canceled due to heavy snowfall, leaving only one additional session on Saturday. Svindal said Vonn has not yet decided whether she will take part, though she is already eligible to race after completing Friday’s run.
Vonn, who owns a record 12 World Cup wins in Cortina, is known for attacking courses even when doubts surround her readiness.
“This felt like race day,” Svindal said. “How she feels today determines how hard she can push. I was more nervous than she was — because if it works, it’s incredible. And if something happens, it’s not.”
For now, Vonn appears determined and confident, with one successful test behind her and an Olympic downhill race still ahead.
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