Lindsey Vonn’s bid for a medal in the Olympic downhill at age 41, already remarkable given a titanium replacement in her right knee and her comeback after nearly six years of retirement, has taken a dramatic turn. Vonn is now preparing to compete in Sunday’s race with a completely ruptured ACL, bone bruising, and meniscal damage in her left knee.
A Historic Comeback Attempt
“This would be the best comeback I’ve done so far,” Vonn said. “Definitely the most dramatic.” She successfully completed two official training runs in recent days, reporting that her knee is holding up.
What’s Next for Vonn?
The women’s downhill final is scheduled to commence at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Vonn’s participation is contingent on her ability to start at least one of the training sessions. She is likewise scheduled to compete in the Women’s Super-G final on February 12 at 5:30 a.m.
Alpine Skiing events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be broadcast on NBC Latest York and USA Network, and streamed on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and the NBC Olympics app.
Venue Details
The women’s events will be held at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina, Italy, a regular stop on the FIS Ski World Cup tour. The men’s events will take place at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy, known for its challenging slopes.
Vonn has expressed some reservations about the geographical separation of venues at these Olympics, noting that it makes it more difficult for athletes to support teammates in other sports, compared to the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Women’s Downhill Final?
The Women’s Downhill Final begins at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, February 8.
When is the Women’s Super-G final?
The Women’s Super-G final starts at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, February 12.
Where are the Alpine Skiing events being held?
The women’s events are at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina, Italy, and the men’s events are at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy.
Given the extraordinary circumstances, what does it mean to you to witness an athlete push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance at the highest level of competition?
