Lindsey Vonn responded to a recorded moment following her injury at last week's World Cup downhill race at Crans Montana.
Vonn revealed Tuesday that he ruptured her ACL after crashing at the World Cup, but she will still attempt to compete in the Winter Olympics. The 2010 gold medalist also discussed how her peers reacted after the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) cancelled last Friday's downhill event due to safety concerns.
The race was halted after three of six participants did not complete their run, but a video captured upset competitors calling the decision "ridiculous" and "unfair." Vonn admitted Tuesday that their response bothered her.
"I have to say I was disappointed," Vonn said. "I thought it was poor sportsmanship from a lot of people that I care about. Anytime that athletes are injured or crash, it’s not good. When FIS or the organizers say that it’s not safe, we as racers have to trust that."
While she understood their frustration, and some later reached out to clear the air, Vonn was upset by their comments.
"Yes, I know there are high emotions, and everyone has worked very hard to be in a position to compete in that moment," Vonn added. "And it’s sometimes hard to contain those emotions, but I was deeply hurt by what was said. Some people apologized to me, and I appreciated that and I accepted their apology. But I think in general, it was disappointing to hear what was said. Especially on live television."
Vonn still plans to compete in Olympics
Vonn skied again on Tuesday, four days after "completely" tearing her ACL. The 41-year-old remained adamant that she would try to compete at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The first women's downhill training session is on Thursday before Sunday's medal event.
"My knee is not swollen, and with the help of a knee brace, I am confident that I can compete on Sunday," Vonn told reporters.
Vonn, who came out of retirement in 2024, acknowledged that her odds have diminished due to the significant injury. However, she refused to give up on her quest for a fourth Olympic medal.
"I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren't the same as it stands today," Vonn said. "But I know there's still a chance. And as long as there's a chance, I will try."