She starts with a torn cruciate ligament
Ski legend supports Vonn’s Olympic decision
02/05/2026 – 10:25 a.mReading time: 1 min.
Despite a serious knee injury, Lindsey Vonn will compete at the Winter Games. The decision could have far-reaching consequences for her career.
Lindsey Vonn has decided to compete at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina despite a torn cruciate ligament in her right knee. The experienced ski racer knows the route in Cortina well and has already celebrated numerous successes there, which could have influenced her decision.
Markus Wasmeier, double Olympic champion, spoke to “Sport1” about Vonn’s planned participation. He emphasized that every athlete is ultimately responsible for themselves and praised Vonn’s familiarity with the route: “What speaks for her is that Cortina is something like her living room. She has celebrated many successes there, she knows the route inside and out. She knows exactly what to expect.”
Vonn has already won twelve World Cup races on the Olympic slopes in the Dolomites, more than any other female ski racer. Despite the serious injury, Wasmeier does not see possible success being ruled out.
Nevertheless, the risk remains. Wasmeier warned that permanent damage could occur if the muscles do not adequately stabilize the knee. What matters is whether Vonn feels like he has control of the situation. “As I know her, she will want to push through. But in doing so she will also take responsibility herself,” Wasmeier continued.
