Lindsey Vonn Prepares to Compete in Olympic Downhill with Training Run Completion
Lindsey Vonn is gearing up for Olympic success after completing her second downhill training run. At the age of 41, she is competing in the Milan Cortina Olympics, despite a recent ACL injury to her left knee. Vonn finished third in her last training run, just 0.37 seconds behind her teammate Breezy Johnson. Following the race, she expressed satisfaction with her performance, stating, “All good.”
Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic Aspirations
Vonn’s coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, the 2018 Olympic downhill champion from Norway, noted her calm demeanor post-run. “She didn’t talk about the knee at all,” he remarked, indicating a positive sign. Vonn understands the need for a strong performance in the Olympic downhill event. She must push hard to secure a medal against fierce competition.
Challenges Ahead
Although Vonn exhibited impressive control, she has been favoring her right leg during landings, affecting her balance. “It’s the landings that hurt the most,” Svindal commented, urging her to minimize this in the upcoming race. Vonn is currently using a large brace on her injured knee.
A Thriving Comeback
Following a nearly six-year hiatus from ski racing, Vonn returned to the sport last season after receiving a partial titanium replacement in her right knee in 2024. This comeback has not been without challenges; she crashed just before the Olympics, raising concerns about her future in the sport. However, her determination has shone through, as she consistently stated her commitment to compete in the Olympics if possible.
Training Insights and Results
During her training runs, Vonn experienced fluctuations in performance. She placed 11th in Thursday’s training run, although these times do not always reflect the athletes’ full efforts. Despite wearing a brace that impacts her aerodynamics, Svindal remains optimistic about Vonn’s readiness. He highlighted the importance of focusing on her performance rather than the brace’s effects.
Record-Setting Performances
Notably, Lindsey Vonn holds the record for 12 World Cup wins in Cortina. As she prepares for her final Olympic countdown, her legacy and resilience are etched in the history of downhill skiing.
