Despite suffering a torn ACL last week, Olympic ski star Lindsey Vonn intends to compete in the Winter Olympics this month. That decision is a little bit worrying for one former NFL doctor.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, former Chargers team doctor David Chao reflected on the torn ACL that Philip Rivers famously played through in the 2007-08 AFC Championship Game and how it could be inspiring Vonn. But he ultimately feels that Vonn might not come as close to winning as Rivers did 18 years ago due to how much strain a skier puts on the knee.
“This young woman has overcome so many obstacles. She has a right knee replacement, a total knee that she’s skiing in the Olympics with,” Chao said. “She was a favorite and now she tears her left knee ACL again. Wishing her luck, she says she’s going to compete in the Olympics still or try with a brace. I wish her the best, I hope she succeeds, and you’re talking with someone who’s had experience letting someone play, compete with an ACL tear. As of a matter of fact, Philip Rivers played on a torn ACL six days from a knee scope in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Almost won that game. Almost ended well for Philip Rivers and the Chargers.
“I fear it’s not gonna end so well Lindsey Vonn. Why? Skiing is a very ACL dependent sport. Playing football can be an ACL dependent sport, it would be for LaDainian Tomlinson. It would be for Quentin Jammer playing corner. But for Philip Rivers, who was a very immobile quarterback, he was able to play with the brace and with some success. Skiing is very high force, not to mention all the Olympic disciplines. It’s ultimate high speed, the brace does not have a great chance of working.”
One last hurrah?
Many fans have pointed out that it probably doesn't matter whether Vonn is risking further damage to her knee since the 2026 Winter Olympics are likely going to be the last events she ever competes in. It's one thing if she had a bright future ahead of her, but another since this may be her "last dance" on the slopes.
"This is insane (IMHO). But, this was going to be her last hurrah, so there’s no future to worry about…unless she wants to walk," one user remarked.
"Playing any sport with an ACL injury is no joke. Athletes in other sports are out for months. Lindsey Vonn is going to empty the tank physically for her last Olympic Games as a competitor," wrote another.
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"Lindsey Vonn wanting to compete this coming week after tearing her ACL is some real badass stuff and my respect to her. Probably her last Olympics so can see why you would want to go out on her shield. But from a long term quality of life point of view…yikes. Hope it works out," a third wrote.
Will these Olympics mark the final time that Vonn competes in skiing at all?