Lindsey Vonn has confirmed she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in a World Cup crash last Friday, but remains hopeful of competing in the downhill at the Milan-Cortina Olympics on Sunday. The 41-year-old American said she is taking a day-by-day approach and will decide after testing her knee at race speed.
“Last Friday in Crans Montana I completely ruptured my ACL,” Vonn said on Tuesday. “I have to see how it feels – if it’s stable and I feel confident, I’ll continue to race. That is my goal.” The injury also includes a bone bruise and meniscal tears, though it is unclear how much is new from the crash.
Vonn crashed into netting during the World Cup downhill in Switzerland, injuring her left knee – the same knee that required a titanium implant less than two years ago. She has spent the days since undergoing scans and physical testing, and reports that swelling is down and muscles are firing. “With the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday,” she said.
The three-time Olympic medallist acknowledged that her chances have diminished but insisted she will not give up. “I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today, but I know there’s still a chance,” she said. “As long as there’s a chance, I will try.”
Vonn is entered in the downhill, super-G and the new team combined event. Cortina holds special significance, as she has a record 12 World Cup victories on the Tofane course. Training for the downhill begins later this week before Sunday's medal race.
