One of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 Winter Olympics is whether Olympic gold medalist and alpine skier Lindsey Vonn will be able to compete in the games. On Friday, January 30, the alpine ski racer suffered a tragic crash incident during a World Cup race in Switzerland, which resulted in an injury.
Due to the injury, Vonn wasn’t able to participate in a World Cup super-G race on Saturday, January 31. But, she has stated on social media that she plans to still compete in the Olympics, noting in a post on social media, “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, Vonn is sharing a very personal moment with fans, as she searches for direction and guidance amid her injury situation. On Monday, February 2, Vonn took to social media once again to share a message with the Olympics audience.
Lindsey Vonn Gets Personal Amid Injury News
Ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, and with her involvement still not decided, Vonn is remembering her late coach. On Monday, Vonn took to her Instagram Stories to honor her childhood ski coach, Erich Sailer, who who died in August 2025 at the age of 99.
“I know exactly what he would say… Just wish he was here to say it,” Vonn stated on her Instagram Stories as a caption to a photo of Sailer’s gravesite.
Vonn, of course, suffered a scary injury after a crash in Crans Montana, Switzerland, during a downhill race that was taking place in dicey, low visibility conditions. Two other skiers also wiped out during the race, and the event was eventually called off to protect the safety of participants.
Vonn lost control and was attended to by medical staff, as she appeared to clutch her left knee. She was then airlifted to a local medical facility.
2026 Winter Olympics Start This Week
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Olympics is scheduled for Friday, February 6, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, and Vonn was scheduled to appear in the downhill and super-G events, but her participation is not certain, due to 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 crash. “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.”
Vonn’s personal coach, Chris Knight, says that she’s still planning to compete, telling The Associated Press on Saturday, January 31, “No she is not racing today but preparing for Cortina as usual.”
So, Vonn has a decision to make on whether to participate in the 2026 Olympics. The world awaits that decision, too.
Lindsey Vonn Shares Personal Update Amid Olympic Skier’s Injury