Turns out, Lindsey Vonn’s still rocking no ACL in her left leg after that brutal 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics crash, even though she says the leg itself is “healing really nicely.” This isn’t just a minor setback for the legendary skier, it’s a testament to the absolute grind she’s facing on her comeback trail.
The Brutal Reality of Her Olympic Injuries
Vonn appeared on SportsCenter Friday, and the details she shared about her significant leg injury are pretty wild. Her left leg is “healing really nicely,” which is awesome to hear after what she went through. But then she hits you with the bombshell: “I still have no ACL, so I need to get the metal out and fix that.” Seriously, *no ACL*! And if that wasn’t enough, her right ankle is still proving to be the “problem child.” It’s “still broken,” although she did add that it “doesn’t hurt that much” anymore. You’ve gotta remember, she tore her ACL a full two weeks *before* the 2026 Games even started. Then, during the competition in Cortina d’Ampezzo, she suffered a tibia fracture and that broken ankle. She’s been clear that the initial ACL tear didn’t cause the crash, but man, what a gauntlet of injuries.
The Long Road Back Is a Masterclass in Patience
Talk about a test of grit, right? Vonn admitted this whole recovery process has been a masterclass in patience, pushing her limits in ways she never expected. “I thought I knew something about it, but it really tested me in so many ways,” she explained. She felt like she was working incredibly hard, but the “progress was just so slow.” She learned firsthand that bones simply don’t heal in the same way ligaments do, a new and challenging experience for her. But through all the pain and slow going, she’s kept a remarkably positive mindset, leaning heavily on the unwavering support from her friends and family.
It’s a long road for the three-time Olympic medalist. From coming out of retirement to compete with a torn ACL, to battling through a broken ankle and a tibia fracture, she’s proven her toughness time and again. She’s got to get that metal out and fix the ACL, but her positive outlook shows she’s facing this lengthy recovery head-on. You gotta respect that kind of fight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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