How can Lindsey Vonn compete at the Winter Olympics with torn ACL? Viktoria Rebensburg explains how ‘anything is possible’ for American great
By Sanjay Suri
Updated 05/02/2026 at 08:29 GMT
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American ski legend Lindsey Vonn is set to compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics despite rupturing her ACL last week. Former gold medallist Viktoria Rebensburg believes "anything is possible" for the 41-year-old, who is currently leading the Downhill Ski World Cup standings. Rebensburg explained how such a comeback is even possible and analysed Vonn's chances of adding to her medal tally.
'When there's a possibility, you have to try' - Rebensburg reacts to 'crazy' Vonn news
Video credit: TNT Sports
Former Olympic gold medallist Viktoria Rebensburg believes a "gold medal could be possible" for Lindsey Vonn at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, despite competing with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 41-year-old was airlifted to hospital after a crash on January 30 but will still compete for her fourth Olympic medal this month.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are set to get underway on February 6, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with Vonn still expected to take part in the women's downhill on February 8.
Rebensburg has refused to write off the American and explains how it is even possible for a skier to compete with a torn ACL.
She told Eurosport: "For sure, it sounds really weird for people outside, but there are a few skiers already who have shown or proven that you can do it.
"You just need to have a good muscle base and a good structure around it. Obviously, she has that. She's really fit in that sense.
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Vonn aiming for 'best comeback of my life' as she pledges to make starting gate
Video credit: TNT Sports
"The second part, which is also really important in that situation, is that you're mentally super strong, that you trust yourself, that you trust the knee, because when you don't do that, then it's going to be tough.
"But we'll see. We have to see the first runs, how the knee reacts and if it's stable enough."
Why Vonn is better placed than most to bounce back
Vonn is no stranger to bouncing back from serious injuries, having returned to the sport in 2024, eight months after having partial knee replacement surgery, and was looking in good shape to compete for medals in Italy.
She is currently leading the World Cup downhill standings, having won in St. Moritz and Zauchensee to become the oldest winner of a downhill event.
Rebensburg pointed out that few skiers have more tenacity than Vonn to bounce back from such a setback.
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She said: "She has done everything on earth to come back. She has proven that she's the fastest still in downhill. And obviously, she did a lot for that big goal here, racing at the Olympics.
"So that's, in my opinion, the only way to go. And when there's a possibility, you have to try it. And that's what she's doing."
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Vonn reflects on ACL injury ahead of Olympics: 'In my career I've had a lot of challenges'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Taking part is one storyline, but can Vonn do the unthinkable and add to her medal collection in Milan despite the injury? Rebensburg believes she has a chance.
However, the early runs will be the true indicator of whether her knee will hold up to the demands of the slopes.
Rebensburg said: "I felt that she was in good spirits, and she was also very positive and focused about the next steps.
"That's the only way to go. She's in a good state, in those terms.
"When the knee is holding well, the first running ones, we will think we will see more. And when she can trust that, then anything can be possible.
"I mean, she's Lindsey Vonn. She has proven that already many times. And then even the gold medal can be possible. But let's see the first training."
Training for the women’s downhill event gets underway on February 5 before skiers compete for the medals on Sunday, February 8.
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Vonn: ‘I completely ruptured my ACL’ but remain 'confident I can compete' at the Olympics
Video credit: TNT Sports
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at £3.99.
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