Lindsey Vonn is an Olympic champion and world-class alpine skier determined to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite rupturing her ACL after crashing in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. The 41-year-old confirmed Friday that she will race Sunday’s downhill regardless of the injury.
In response to a doctor questioning her ability to compete, Vonn wrote on social media: “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.”
She previously said on February 3, “As many times as I crash, I’ve always gotten back up. As many times as I’ve failed, I’ve always won.”
That determination stems from her upbringing and family support. Here’s what you need to know.
February 8, 2026 Update:
Vonn’s bid for an against-all-odds Olympic medal ended Sunday after she suffered a broken left leg in a crash just 13.4 seconds into the downhill final.
Competing in a brace only nine days after rupturing the ACL in her left knee, Vonn did not finish the race at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. She had been attempting to become the oldest Alpine skier, male or female, to win an Olympic medal.
Vonn tapped her poles together three times before leaving the start gate. Moments later, before reaching the first timing marker, she lost control and crashed, tumbling down the course and striking her head before coming to a stop. Cries of pain were audible on the broadcast.
Medical personnel reached Vonn within minutes and secured her onto a stretcher. She was placed into a protective red medical bag and airlifted off the course for further evaluation.
1. Lindsey Vonn Was Born in Minnesota to Alan Kildow and Linda Lund
Vonn was born on October 18, 1984, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Alan Lee Kildow and Linda Krohn Lund. She grew up alongside four siblings: Karin Kildow, Laura Kildow, Dylan Kildow, and Reed Kildow.
Karin is the second-born, while Laura, Dylan, and Reed are triplets. Although most of her siblings avoid the spotlight, the family remains close and regularly supports Vonn behind the scenes.
2. The 5-Time Olympian Learned to Ski at Age 2 Thanks to Her Father
Alan Kildow, a former junior alpine skier whose career ended after a knee injury at 18, introduced Vonn to skiing when she was just 2 years old.
By age 6, he brought her to Buck Hill in Minnesota for formal training.
“He met his wife. So it happened. Lindsey was born here … and it just was really exceptional, an unbelievable story,” Vonn’s early coach said while reflecting on how her career began, via Hello.
Alan later earned a law degree and became a commercial litigation attorney after serving as a managing partner at DLA Piper.
3. Lindsey Vonn’s Parents Divorced While Her Career Took Off
Vonn’s parents divorced in 2003 as her competitive skiing accelerated.
Her mother relocated to Colorado so Lindsey could pursue elite training, with the rest of the family joining later.
The move reshaped daily life but allowed Vonn to focus fully on skiing, marking a major turning point in her path toward international competition.
Despite the separation, both parents remained involved in supporting her career.
4. Vonn Lost Her Mother to ALS in 2022
Linda Lund was diagnosed with ALS in 2021 and passed away on August 26, 2022.
“None of us expected her to die as quickly as she did. One year later, she was gone,” Vonn told ELLE in 2024.
She added, “It’s only when you see how quickly things slip away that you realize anything can happen at any moment. I now use every opportunity that I have to live my life to the fullest.”
5. Sister Karin Helps Manage Her Business Career
Karin Kildow helped establish the Lindsey Vonn Foundation and now runs The Content Capital Group, overseeing brand management and strategic planning for athletes. She has also appeared on “Law & Order.”
The sisters are frequently seen together at public events, with Karin playing a key role in Lindsey’s professional life.
Lindsey Vonn’s Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know