The 2026 Winter Olympics‘ opening ceremony is almost here, and Olympic gold medalist and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn has made a decision about whether to compete at this year’s event. So, will Vonn appear at the Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony is set for Friday, February 6, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, and Vonn was scheduled to participate in the downhill and super-G events. But, on Friday, January 30, the alpine ski racer suffered a scary crash incident during a World Cup race in Switzerland, which resulted in an injury. Ever since then, it’s been up in the air as to whether she’ll be there.
“I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee,” Vonn shared on social media on Friday, January 30, after the incident. “I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams.”
She added in the social media post, “This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback. My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”
Well, now, Vonn has more information, and she’s sharing it with her audience.
Lindsey Vonn Announces Her Olympics Decision
On Tuesday, February 3, Vonn took part in a press conference about her situation. During that appearance, she said that she ruptured the ACL in her left knee the downhill crash, but said that she went skiing earlier Tuesday and that her knee feels stable and strong.
With that in mind, Vonn announced that, yes, she plans to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I’m still here. I think I’m still able to fight. I think I’m still able to try. And I will try as long as I have the ability to, I will not go home regretting not trying,” Vonn said. “I will do everything in my power to be in that starting gate.”
She also said of the injury, “I had a feeling it was bad, but I held out hope until I saw the MRI in front of me. But I haven’t cried.”
So, Vonn is staying strong, both physically and emotionally. She also said that the crash hasn’t changed any of her plans.
“I have not deviated from my plan. I’ve been determined,” she said. “Normally in the past, there’s always a moment where you break down and you realize the severity of things and that your dreams are slipping through your fingers.”
She added, “But I didn’t have that this time. I’m not letting this slip through my fingers. I’m gonna do it, end of story. So I’m not letting myself go down that path. I’m not crying. My head is high, I’m standing tall, and I’m gonna do my best, and whatever the result is, that’s what it is. But never say I didn’t try.”
Lindsey Vonn Has Faced Adversity Before
Vonn has come back from injury before. So, she knows how to mentally deal with situations such as this one.
“Vonn, who is set to compete at her fifth Olympic Games, has shown consistency in her celebrated return to competition after a partial knee replacement, reaching the podium in all five downhill World Cups this season,” the official Olympics website says of Vonn’s journey.
Vonn also took to social media to announce the news, stating, “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.”
Lindsey Vonn Injury News: Skier Announces Olympics Decision