Lindsey Vonn is no stranger to adversity, but even by her extraordinary standards, her latest comeback feat has left fans stunned and has sparked heated debate online. Her training run for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a week after she was involved in a crash, didn’t sit right with a few critics.
Vonn crashed in Switzerland during her downhill World Cup race on January 30, which led to her ACL tear. Seven days after the accident, she completed a training run, reportedly hitting speeds of 74 mph. While many applauded the 41-year-old’s toughness, others questioned how this was even possible. True to form, the Olympic skiing legend didn’t let the skepticism slide.
One fan suggested that her accomplishment might not be as remarkable as it appeared, theorizing that Vonn’s ACL could have already been compromised before the crash. Taking to X, the user wrote:
“There’s a VERY important aspect of this that we do not know – What was the state of her ACL before the crash last week? What she is doing now would not be nearly as surprising in an elite athlete whose knee was already functioning like the ACL was torn at baseline. When you hear stories about ‘so and so played for years on a torn ACL’, that’s chronic, meaning the body has time to adapt and retrain muscles to support the knee. Also, someone who had a prior tear/surgery may not be as swollen and painful with a repeat injury. Bottom line, I don’t think this was a bread-and-butter, fresh ACL tear like everyone is thinking.”
The American skier wasted no time shutting down the speculation, as she responded:
“Lol thanks doc. My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.”
However, the criticism didn’t stop there. Another user expressed concern over the long-term consequences of pushing her body so hard so soon after a major injury. Opining that the skier must be on pain medications during her training session, the user wrote:
“All this praise for someone who clearly doesn’t value her long-term health! Why do u think she is able to do this? Pumped up w anti inflammatory medications and pain meds to possibly get further hurt. I wish her well but regular folks don’t push yourself like this.”
Delivering a sharp rebuttal and slamming the fan, Vonn wrote:
“Actually have taken zero pain medications. Zero. Not even Tylenol. But thanks.”
The American, who is attempting yet another competitive comeback ahead of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, has repeatedly made it clear that she understands the risks involved. Yet her determination to compete at the highest level remains undiminished.
Lindsey Vonn Opened Up About Competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics After Devastating Crash
Just a few days after the crash, when the entire sports world was wondering if Lindsey Vonn would be able to make a comeback, the American shared an update on her Instagram, confirming her participation at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She posted a bunch of pictures and penned a lengthy caption, where she opened up about her injuries.
“Well… I completely tore my ACL last Friday. I also sustained a bone bruise (which is a common injury when you tear your ACL), plus meniscal tears but it’s unclear how much of that was there previously and what was new from the crash. This was obviously incredibly hard news to receive one week before the Olympics. I really appreciate everyone giving me time and space to process what happened and find a way forward,” wrote Lindsey Vonn.
She added that after consultations with doctors and multiple tests, she will be competing in the event. She added:
“After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests, as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday. Of course, I will still need to do one training run, as is required to race on Sunday, but… I am confident in my body’s ability to perform. Despite my injuries, my knee is stable, I do not have swelling, and my muscles are firing and reacting as they should. I will obviously be continuing to evaluate with my medical team on a daily basis to make sure we are making smart decisions but I have every intention of competing on Sunday.”
Lindsey Vonn further acknowledged that her chances at the Olympics have taken a hit following the injury, yet she insisted that she would hold on to hope.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
