Lindsey Vonn’s Decision to Compete With a Torn ACL Is Risky but ‘Possible,’ Experts Say

Lindsey Vonn, the 41‑year‑old American skiing legend, plans to compete in the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics despite suffering a completely torn ACL in her left knee. Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists describe her bid as extremely risky but not without precedent for elite athletes with strong muscular support and brace assistance.

By David Thompson – News Reporter

Last Updated: Feb. 2, 2026

What Happened to Vonn’s Knee and Her Olympic Plans

Vonn sustained a severe left knee injury, including a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), bone bruising, and meniscal damage during a World Cup downhill crash just days before the Milan‑Cortina Olympics. Despite this, the five‑time Olympic participant says her knee is not significantly swollen and that with therapy and a specialized knee brace she feels stable enough to attempt racing in her first Olympic event — the women’s downhill — scheduled for February 8. Her determination reflects her long history of overcoming injuries and returning to high‑level competition. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Medical Experts Acknowledge Possibility but Warn of Risks

Orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists acknowledge that while skiing with a completely torn ACL is highly unusual and carries significant risk, it can be possible for elite athletes with top‑tier physical conditioning. Experts note that if the quadriceps and hip muscles provide sufficient strength and neuromuscular control, and if knee swelling remains minimal, an athlete might maintain functional stability long enough to compete. However, they caution that high‑speed alpine skiing exerts tremendous forces on the knee, raising the risk of further injury to cartilage or the meniscus, or even complete knee failure. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Voices From the Field: Teammates and Fellow Athletes

Vonn’s teammates and fellow athletes have publicly supported her bid, emphasizing her resilience and experience. Teammate Liz Lemley highlighted that skiing without an ACL depends on individual strength and knee control, while former Olympic champion Julia Mancuso described the challenge as “doable” with adequate strength and no significant swelling. Others draw on their own experiences of competing with knee injuries to underscore that while painful, participation at elite levels is not unheard of. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The Debate Over Competitiveness and Safety

Medical voices emphasize the fine balance between competitive drive and athlete safety. Some specialists stress that decisions like Vonn’s involve intense evaluations of daily knee stability, brace performance, and the athlete’s confidence. They acknowledge that competitive skiing with a torn ACL is far from standard practice and that general populations are advised against such participation. Still, for Vonn — an elite skier with a history of playing through injuries — careful monitoring and expert support make the choice conceivable, even if long‑term consequences remain uncertain. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Vonn’s Legacy and the Road Ahead at Milano‑Cortina

At 41, Vonn’s decision to race with a torn ACL adds another dramatic chapter to her storied career, which has included Olympic medals and multiple comebacks from serious injuries. Her fans and fellow athletes are watching closely as she prepares to take to the Olympic downhill course with her first run looming. While her knee’s stability on race day will ultimately determine her performance, her resolve underscores a broader narrative in elite sports: the complex interplay between physical limits, mental strength, and the pursuit of Olympic dreams. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}