Japan Times • 2/6/2026

Lindsey Vonn, the renowned U.S. ski star, announced on Tuesday that she had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee following a crash during a World Cup downhill event the previous week. Despite this significant injury, Vonn expressed her determination to compete in the Olympic downhill competition. Reports indicated that her ACL was "100% gone," yet she remained hopeful about her chances of winning Olympic gold. During the Winter Olympics, Vonn completed her second training run but faced a serious setback when she crashed out of the Women’s Downhill final. The incident occurred near the top of the Olympia delle Tofane course, leading to her being airlifted off the slopes. This crash marked a critical moment in her Olympic journey, as she had taken a considerable risk by competing shortly after announcing her injury. Vonn's participation in the Olympics was seen as a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit, even in the face of severe physical challenges. However, the crash ultimately dashed her hopes for a medal, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive skiing and the risks athletes take in pursuit of their goals.
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