Lindsey Vonn passed her first test of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday morning when she completed her first downhill training run just a week after tearing her ACL.
Whatever happens at the Milan Cortina Games, the fact that Vonn even made the trip after tearing her ACL is inspiring. If the 41-year old had shut it down after she was airlifted off the mountain in Switzerland last Friday, everyone would have understood. Instead she got back in the gym, told the press exactly what was going on and headed to Italy. No ambiguity. No hesitation. She came out of retirement and she’s going to ski until she can’t anymore.
Welcome to #MilanoCortina2026, @LindseyVonn 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MXmzABjh2l
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026
Just one week after tearing her ACL, Lindsey Vonn has completed her Olympic training run in Cortina.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 6, 2026
The women's downhill competition takes place this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/FgEG8xkWTI
Vonn finished with a time of 1:40.33, which placed her 11th out of 43 skiiers. Jacqueline Wiles of Team USA posted the best run of the day with a time of 1:38.94.
Ahead of the run Vonn posted a selfie from the top of the mountain letting fans know she was in good spirits.
Nothing makes me happier!! First training run today at 10:30am CET. I’m bib #10. Let’s go!! pic.twitter.com/VlZ4YK3eos
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 6, 2026
The women’s downhill is scheduled for Sunday. If things go well enough there, she also plans to ski in the team combined and super-G events next week. You can see Lindsey Vonn's Olympic schedule here.
More Winter Olympics on Sports Illustrated
- Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Live Updates: All the Biggest Moments From Milan Cortina 2026
- One Week After Rupturing ACL, Lindsey Vonn Is Ready to Push for Olympic Glory
- Who’ll Win in Italy? SI Picks Every Medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
- Why Olympic Hero T.J. Oshie Believes Team USA Has Real Chance to Finally Win Gold
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Lindsey Vonn’s First Olympics Downhill Training Run With Torn ACL Was a Success.
