Lindsey Vonn Completes First Training After Injury, Eyes Medal Prospects

4 months ago 0

MILAN — American skiing sensation Lindsey Vonn successfully completed her first training session on Friday following a rupture of the ACL in her left knee. She crossed the finish line with a smile after navigating her 100-second training run without any complications.

Vonn’s successful descent on the Cortina course marked a significant milestone in her quest to secure a medal despite her injury. This setback occurred a week prior during a World Cup race when Vonn lost control after a jump while attempting a right-hand turn on a course in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Lindsey Vonn before training — Lindsey Vonn before the second official training for the women’s downhill event at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre on Feb. 6. Image: Stefano Rellandini / AFP via Getty Images

It’s noteworthy that the current injury is not related to the knee that required extensive surgery in the past, leading to her retirement in 2019 before she opted to make a comeback last year.

Friday’s training session was delayed by over an hour due to poor visibility in Cortina.

In a conversation with reporters this week in Cortina, Italy, Vonn revealed that she has undergone “extensive therapy” since injuring her knee ligament. “Given how my knee feels, I feel stable, I feel strong,” she stated confidently. “My knee isn’t swollen, and with the aid of a knee brace, I am assured of my ability to compete on Sunday.”

Before last Friday’s mishap, the 41-year-old Vonn’s comeback was characterized by her remarkable consistency in maintaining her health, which was especially impressive for an athlete who has faced numerous injuries throughout her career. Her triumphs in two World Cup races last month have established her as a formidable medal contender on the Cortina course, a track she describes as her favorite to compete on.