Lindsey Vonn has continued to defy belief after confirming her participation in the Winter Olympics despite injury.
Skiing legend Vonn has suffered a torn ACL just days before the 2026 Winter Olympics get underway in Italy.
She crashed in the final World Cup race before the event in Milano Cortina, which forced her to be airlifted to hospital in Switzerland.
Despite the major setback, the 41-year-old American has confirmed on social media that she will take part in the competition.
Iga Swiatek sends inspirational message to injured Lindsey Vonn
Vonn wrote on Instagram: “Well… I completely tore my ACL last Friday. I also sustained a bone bruise (which is a common injury when you tear your ACL), plus meniscal tears but it’s unclear how much of that was there previously and what was new from the crash.
“This was obviously incredibly hard news to receive one week before the Olympics. I really appreciate everyone giving me time and space to process what happened and find a way forward.
“After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday.
“Of course I will still need to do one training run, as is required to race on Sunday, but… I am confident in my body’s ability to perform.
“Despite my injuries my knee is stable, I do not have swelling and my muscles are firing and reacting as they should.
“I will obviously be continuing to evaluate with my medical team on a daily basis to make sure we are making smart decisions but I have every intention of competing on Sunday.
“I know what my chances in these Olympics were before this crash, and even though my chances aren’t the same now, there is still a chance. And as long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It’s not over yet!”
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out and supported me. I feel the love and it is giving me strength.”
And that message has been shared by tennis icon Iga Swiatek, who wrote on her Instagram story: “As long as you fight, you are the winner Lindsey Vonn.”
Jessica Pegula and Kim Clijsters show support for Lindsey Vonn
Swiatek isn’t the only tennis star to show up in support of Vonn, with Jessica Pegula and Kim Clijsters doing the same.
Commenting on her post, Pegula wrote: “Warrior let’s go,” with Clijsters writing: “Let’s go Lindsey! Love you.”
Other famous faces such as David Beckham and Rebel Wilson are among the long list of people also showing love for the hugely popular Vonn.
She certainly deserves all of that love given her tremendous fighting spirit, which she will definitely need to compete in the coming days.
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