At 41, Lindsey Vonn is already competing with a titanium knee from past injuries. Now, just nine days before the Milano Cortina Games, Vonn has torn her ACL, yet she remains determined to chase a medal in Italy.

On Tuesday, Vonn was relieved that her knee had no swelling and she was not feeling any pain. That’s not all, she expressed that she would be skiing wearing a brace for added stability.

“I think this would be the best comeback I’ve done so far,” Vonn said as per the Wall Street Journal. “Definitely the most dramatic, that’s for sure.”

Dr. David Chao, an orthopedic surgeon and former team physician of the San Diego Chargers, sees a significant challenge with her willingness to participate in the event.

“Very high forces, high speeds, and extreme conditions," he said. Indeed, Vonn has reached around 130 km/h (81 mph) this season. ”I fear it may not end as well for Lindsey Vonn," Chao opined.

Challenges exist, but that doesn’t mean she can’t overcome them. According to Dr. Kevin Stone, an orthopedic surgeon, there are multiple types of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. The ACL connects the femur and tibia and provides knee stability, and Stone noted that some knee joints are “ACL-independent.”

Lindsey Vonn has a significant history of injuries. However, the veteran alpine skier has bounced back time and again through extensive rehab and workouts. She is sticking with her decision, and her colleagues believe in the Olympic gold medalist.

US Skiers on Lindsey Vonn Coming Back

“It's entirely possible to ski moguls without an ACL, because I tore mine last year and did several events without it,” said Freestyle skier London Wendler in his conversation with Gulf Coast.

However, he is certain that there are challenges in her path. “It is very painful, but, you know, us athletes will do whatever it takes,” Wendler said.

The entire Team USA moguls squad knows there is a risk of her getting injured during her run, but they understand why she wants to do it and fully support her.

“She's set a new standard for what's possible, coming back from her time away, her injuries, her surgeries, everything, and to be back at such a high level, that's what makes it such a shame to see her go down with that injury, but man, it's now like a fairy tale ending,” said Nick Page.

Well, Vonn will put her knees to the test at the Olympics, but will she be able to do it?

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi