Milan, Italy — American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn made her much-anticipated return to competitive downhill skiing on Friday, participating in the official Olympic training event for the Women’s downhill at the Winter Games. This marked her first run on the slopes following a serious injury sustained just a week prior, when she ruptured her left ACL during a World Cup race in the Swiss Alps.
The training session was initially delayed due to weather conditions, which had already forced the cancellation of an earlier event. However, Vonn managed to complete her run without any evident problems, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to the sport. The first competitive event for Vonn at these Games is slated for Sunday.
During a press conference earlier in the week, the 41-year-old from Colorado expressed an unwavering determination despite her injury. “I haven’t cried. I haven’t deviated from my plan,” Vonn stated, emphasizing her mental fortitude. “I’m not letting this slip through my fingers. I’m gonna do it. End of story.”
Vonn’s teammates echoed her fighting spirit, expressing confidence in her ability to compete. Isabella Wright, a fellow U.S. alpine skier, remarked, “If anyone can come back from this, if anyone could do it, it’s Lindsey.” Breezy Johnson, another teammate, highlighted Vonn’s motivation, noting the stakes of her potentially last Olympics and suggesting that the scope of her injury might embolden her efforts.
Jacqueline Wiles, who has competed alongside Vonn in the past, described her as “definitely one of the toughest,” acknowledging the mental challenges athletes face while managing injuries. Wiles admired Vonn’s experience and resilience, suggesting that her track record of overcoming obstacles lends itself to a strong comeback.
As Vonn gears up for the women’s downhill competition, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of perseverance in the face of adversity. The skiing community and fans alike are eager to see how Vonn will perform as she continues to cement her legacy in the sport.