Lindsey Vonn’s head coach, Chris Knight, shared with the Associated Press via text message on Saturday, Jan. 31, that Vonn is still planning to compete in the Milan Cortina Olympics next week after her devastating fall during her downhill at the World Cup on Jan. 30.
Knight also told the outlet that Vonn would be sitting out from the World Cup super-G race that same day. “No she is not racing today but preparing for Cortina as usual,” the coach said.
Lindsey Vonn Confirms Her Coach’s Statement
The 41-year-old confirmed part of her coach’s statement via Instagram, writing a reassuring message alongside a video of her fall, which led to her being airlifted from the slopes to the hospital due to a left knee injury.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to race today… wishing all my teammates a great race,” the Olympic alpine skier wrote. “Thank you for all of the love and support I have received. Means the world to me. Doing my best right now.”
Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback Story
GettyThe 3X Olympic medalist first updated her supporters on her Instagram shortly after she was airlifted, reassuring her fans that she has no intention to skip out on the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I crashed today in the Downhill race in Switzerland and injured my left knee. I am discussing the situation with my doctors and team and will continue to undergo further exams,” Vonn shared.
“This is a very difficult outcome one week before the Olympics… but if there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s a comeback,” she added. “My Olympic dream is not over. Thank you for all of the love and support. I will give more information when I have it.”
Vonn ended her statement by thanking those who have closely cared for her at the hospital. “Thank you to all the medical staff who helped me today. I am grateful for all the incredible help I received,” she wrote. “Sending my best to Marte who also had a major crash and injury today. It’s not over until it’s over…”
Vonn is scheduled to compete in a downhill on Feb. 8 for the 2026 Winter Olympics, People reports. Her upcoming run will be a monumental moment after she retired in 2019 due to knee issues. The Olympian announced her comeback in 2024 after undergoing a partial knee surgery that same year, U.S. Ski & Snowboard reports.
