Lindsey Vonn: The Legend Returns for the 2026 Winter Olympics
MILANO CORTINA, 08 February 2026 — Today, the eyes of the sporting world are fixed on the slopes of Italy as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history, Lindsey Vonn, prepares for a final Olympic appearance that many deemed impossible. At 41 years old, Vonn is attempting to defy both age and a devastating recent injury to compete in the women’s downhill, marking a historic chapter in a career defined by resilience and record-breaking speed.
The Improbable Comeback of 2024–2026
Lindsey Vonn’s journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics began in earnest in late 2024. After retiring in February 2019 due to a body she described as “broken beyond repair,” Vonn underwent a partial right knee replacement in April 2024. The success of the surgery and a pain-free return to the snow prompted her to announce a competitive comeback on 14 November 2024.
Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Vonn proved she still possessed elite speed, securing her Olympic spot by December 2025. However, her path to Milano Cortina took a dramatic turn just last week. During a World Cup training run, Vonn suffered a crash that resulted in a ruptured left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Despite the “100% gone” ACL, Vonn confirmed this past Tuesday that she intends to “risk everything” to compete in today’s downhill event.
A Career of Unmatched Dominance
Before her retirement and subsequent return, Vonn established herself as the most successful female alpine skier of her era. Her career is a tapestry of World Cup titles and Olympic hardware, characterized by an aggressive style that often pushed her to the physical limit.
Olympic and World Championship Success
Vonn has competed in four previous Olympic Winter Games (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2018). Her most iconic performance came at the Vancouver 2010 Games, where she became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in the downhill. She also secured a bronze in the Super-G during those same Games and added a downhill bronze at the PyeongChang 2018 Games.
Lindsey Vonn: Career Statistics and Medals
| Category | Achievement / Count |
|---|---|
| World Cup Overall Championships | 4 (2008, 2009, 2010, 2012) |
| Total World Cup Victories | 82 |
| World Cup Downhill Wins | 43 (Record) |
| World Cup Crystal Globes | 20 (Tied for most all-time) |
| Olympic Medals | 3 (1 Gold, 2 Bronze) |
| World Championship Medals | 8 |
The Final Run: “Risk Everything”
Vonn’s decision to race today despite a ruptured ACL has sparked intense debate within the skiing community. Her coach recently provided updates suggesting that while the injury is severe, Vonn’s familiarity with the Italian terrain and her high pain threshold make the start possible. For Vonn, this appearance is less about adding to her 82 World Cup wins and more about a “fairy-tale ending” on her own terms.
As she stands at the start gate today, Sunday, 08 February 2026, she aims to become the oldest alpine skier to ever claim an Olympic medal. Regardless of the result, her return to the Olympic stage after a six-year hiatus and major joint surgery remains one of the most remarkable comeback stories in modern sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Lindsey Vonn come out of retirement?
Vonn decided to return to competitive skiing after undergoing a successful partial knee replacement in April 2024. Feeling healthy for the first time in years, she announced her comeback in November 2024 to pursue a final Olympic appearance.
What injury did Lindsey Vonn suffer before the 2026 Olympics?
Just one week before her scheduled Olympic events in February 2026, Vonn ruptured the ACL in her left knee during a training crash. Despite the injury, she chose to proceed with the competition.
How many Olympics has Lindsey Vonn competed in?
Including the current 2026 Milano Cortina Games, Vonn has participated in five Olympic Winter Games: Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, PyeongChang 2018, and Milano Cortina 2026.
Is Lindsey Vonn the most successful female skier?
Vonn held the record for the most World Cup wins by a woman (82) for several years until the record was surpassed by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin. However, Vonn still holds the record for the most downhill wins (43) and is tied for the most Crystal Globes (20).