Lindsey Vonn’s Dramatic Crash Sparks Olympic Comeback Plans – Is She Ready for Gold?
2025-01-17
Author: Yan
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – In a nail-biting turn of events, celebrated skier Lindsey Vonn emerged unscathed from a harrowing fall during a World Cup downhill training session on Thursday.
The incident raised concerns among fans and fellow athletes alike, but Vonn, ever the resilient champion, declared she is "good" with only a few bruises.
Thanks to the protective airbag sewn into her racing suit, Vonn was able to cushion her fall after catching significant air off the second-to-last jump on the challenging Olympia delle Tofane course.
After skiing down to the finish area, she was treated in a medical tent but thankfully did not suffer any broken bones.
“It was a tough landing, and my ski caught funny,” Vonn explained to The Associated Press later at the U.S. team hotel. “My bum is sore, but otherwise I’m good.” In a thrilling reveal, she confirmed plans to compete in this weekend’s races despite the crash, signaling her unwavering determination.
At 40 years old, Vonn is making waves with her return to competitive skiing after almost six years of retirement, a comeback made remarkable by her titanium knee replacement.
When asked about the performance of her knee after the crash, Vonn reassured everyone, “No problem. Titanium doesn’t break. All in all, my titanium knee is holding up a lot better than anyone would have expected.”
In a strategic move, Lindsey revealed her ambition to compete in the 2026 Olympics set to be held right here in Cortina. “I would never go past that,” she stated with conviction. “It would be a great way to end things for once and for all,” hinting at a potential farewell from the sport after a storied career.
Last Sunday, Vonn showcased her competitive spirit by finishing fourth in a super-G race in St. Anton, Austria, proving that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Notably, she holds an astonishing record of 12 wins in Cortina, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at next year's Milan-Cortina Olympics.
As she gears up for her next race, Vonn has been making adjustments to her new equipment during her comeback, adding an element of unpredictability.
“I broke one of my boots during my fall, so I have to figure out if I’ll need a new one tomorrow,” she said, emphasizing the challenges athletes face in high-stakes environments.
As another downhill training session is set for Friday, fans and fellow competitors will be on the edge of their seats as Vonn aims for the podium in the upcoming downhill and super-G races on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
With fierce competitors like Italians Federica Brignone, Sofia Goggia, and Nadia Delago at the ready, the upcoming events promise to be nothing short of exhilarating.