Vonn Completes Training, Primed for Olympic Downhill Race
At the age of 41, Lindsey Vonn is gearing up for the Olympic downhill race in Milan Cortina. This comes just a week after she sustained a ruptured ACL in her left knee. Vonn recently completed two successful training runs in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, showcasing her competitive spirit.
Recent Training Performance
In her latest training session on Saturday, Vonn finished third, trailing her teammate Breezy Johnson by 0.37 seconds. Her response upon seeing the result was one of determination; she celebrated with a fist pump, indicating her readiness for the upcoming event. “All good,” she remarked to The Associated Press.
Injury and Recovery
Vonn’s journey back to competitive skiing has not been easy. In 2024, she underwent a partial titanium replacement in her right knee and returned to racing after nearly six years of retirement. This season, she faced a significant setback when she crashed during the final World Cup downhill event before the Olympics, raising concerns about her career’s future.
Olympics Preparation
Determined to compete, Vonn has consistently stated her intention to participate in the Olympics. Following a canceled training run on Thursday, she took to the Olympia delle Tofana downhill course on Friday and Saturday alongside her fellow athletes. While she finished 11th in Thursday’s training, those times do not reflect full effort, as athletes typically conserve energy during early runs.
Record and Legacy
Vonn has an impressive record, holding 12 World Cup wins in Cortina. Her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest athletes continues to inspire many. As she prepares for her Olympic descent, all eyes will be on Vonn to see if she can secure gold.