Last week U.S. Olympic alpine ski star Lindsey Vonn suffered a nasty knee injury in a tournament. But with the Olympics just around the corner, Vonn has decided to fight through a torn ACL and compete.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Vonn announced that she intends to compete in Sunday's Olympic downhill race. She said that she went skiing earlier today and will wear a knee brace to compensate.
"Lindsey Vonn says in press conference from Italy that she tore her ACL in a crash Friday — but aims to race in the Olympic downhill Sunday anyway. Says she skied today, and will wear a knee brace," sports reporter Rachel Bachman wrote this morning.
"Insane"
As thrilled as fans are to be seeing Vonn fighting through a crushing knee injury to compete, many believe that her decision is simply crazy.
"This is remarkable and insane," one user on X remarked.
"I genuinely believe she is a superhuman," wrote another.
"I guess there’s really nothing to lose at this point. It’s her last chance to compete in the Olympics, and if she gets hurt worse, she’s done, anyway. If she were to somehow ski through this and medal, it’s an all-time legendary feat," a third pointed out.
© Leonhard Foeger/Reuters via Imagn Images.
Some others believe that Vonn is hurting Team USA by putting her own desire for Olympic glory over the well-being of the country's medal chances in the event:
"There’s gotta be someone better than Lindsey Vonn with one ACL right?"
"Feel bad for who was her replacement."
"Can we get the backup in? You don't get a participation medal in the Olympics. Need to put your best athlete forward."
Like it or loathe it, Vonn will be participating in the Olympics.