We’re days away from the 2026 Winter Olympics‘ opening ceremony, and Olympic gold medalist and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn is hoping to be physically able to compete at this year’s event.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 6, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, and Vonn is set to participate in the downhill and super-G events, but her participation is an unknown. On Friday, January 30, the alpine ski racer suffered an unfortunate crash incident during a World Cup race in Switzerland, which resulted in an injury.
“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, “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.”
She also thanked the medical staff who helped her after the crash and said she was “grateful for all the incredible help I received.”
Lindsey Vonn Injury Update Ahead of 2026 Olympics
So far, the most recent update on Vonn’s injury comes from her personal coach, Chris Knight. But, on top of that, what’s new is the outpouring of support she’s getting as she tries to make it to the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Her personal head coach told The Associated Press on Saturday, January 31, that despite her injury, Vonn still plans to compete in the Olympics this year. “No she is not racing today but preparing for Cortina as usual,” Knight shared in a text message to The AP.
Vonn also took to social media on Saturday to offer an update on her condition. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today… wishing all my teammates a great race. Thank you for all of the love and support I have received. Means the world to me. Doing my best right now.”
Now, followers are offering up up their well-wishes. Many of them are big names, such as Dwyane Wade, stating, “Another minor set back my friend. You continues to inspire.”
Shaun White said to Vonn on social media, “You got this.” Julianne Hough added, “You’ve got this. We are all praying and sending you healing energy.”
Lindsey Vonn is Coming Back After Partial Knee Replacement
Vonn has been strong enough to come back from injury before. It’s pretty much the norm for any top-level skier.
“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. “That streak includes victories at the season opener in St. Moritz and most recently at Zauchensee.”
The three-time Olympic medalist currently leads the FIS World Cup downhill standings, according to Olympics research.
Lindsey Vonn Injury Update: News on Olympics Skier’s Crash