Lindsey Vonn Clears First Olympic Downhill Test After Knee Injury / TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Moning Edition/ Lindsey Vonn delivered a confident downhill training run at the Milan Cortina Olympics despite a recent ACL tear. The 41-year-old tested her injured left knee and finished just outside the top 10. Coaches said Vonn skied smartly and showed medal-contending potential.

Vonn Olympic Comeback: Quick Looks

• Lindsey Vonn completes downhill training one week after ACL tear


• Finishes 11th in first official Olympic training run


• Skiing with large brace on injured left knee


• Coaches say run showed control and untapped speed


• Vonn embraces Olympic return at age 41


• Medal race set for Sunday in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Deep Look: Lindsey Vonn Clears First Olympic Downhill Test After Knee Injury

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — One week after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, Lindsey Vonn took a major step toward her Olympic comeback Friday with a controlled yet aggressive downhill training run that tested both her injury and her resolve.

The four-time Olympic medalist made her first official training appearance on the Olympia delle Tofane course two days before Sunday’s race, skiing with a prominent brace on her left knee. Despite a mid-course line error that forced her to narrowly clear a gate, Vonn led through the final checkpoints before easing out of her tuck near the finish. She placed 11th overall.

At the finish, Vonn exchanged fist pumps and a hug with teammate Breezy Johnsonwho finished sixth after an extended delay caused by fog. Vonn confirmed to the Associated Press that the run felt good before heading off for additional knee rehabilitation.

Vonn is competing at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics following one of the most remarkable returns in alpine skiing history. She underwent a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee in 2024 and returned to racing last season after nearly six years away from competition.

Her Olympic dream appeared in serious doubt last Friday when she crashed during the final World Cup downhill before the Games in Switzerland. Airlifted from the course, Vonn later posted that her Olympic hopes were still alive — a message she reaffirmed Friday morning.

Vonn finished 1.39 seconds behind Jacqueline Wileswho posted the fastest training time and is considered a strong medal contender. Given Vonn’s cautious approach and injury, questions remain about how much speed she can unlock by race day.

Thursday’s scheduled training was canceled due to heavy snowfall, leaving only one additional session on Saturday. Svindal said Vonn has not yet decided whether she will take part, though she is already eligible to race after completing Friday’s run.

Vonn, who owns a record 12 World Cup wins in Cortinais known for attacking courses even when doubts surround her readiness.

For now, Vonn appears determined and confidentwith one successful test behind her and an Olympic downhill race still ahead.

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