02/09/2026
Lots of messages / texts over the weekend about Lindsey Vonn’s decision to pursue another Olympic campaign following a full ACL tear just prior to the games. Lindsey’s decision has brought lots of conversation and attention to alpine skiing, and lots of strong opinions on whether she should have been racing or not. Bringing up the question of whether surgery is required or not for a return to sport?
In short, intensive physiotherapy to manage a fully torn ACL can be a successful pathway for a return to sport. Each case is different based on age, knee stability, sports demands, lifestyle demands and combined injuries. Discussion with your surgeon and rehab team is recommended before making a decision. ✅
Getting over to Vonn’s case - we really can’t comment on it. Vonn has lived with complex knee pathology for years, has undergone extensive rehabilitation and multiple surgical procedures across her career, and has repeatedly demonstrated that she can train and compete with a knee post significant injury. Elite athletes compete with injuries every single day. How often have we heard of a hockey player (insert name) requiring surgery after the Stanley Cup Finals? Championships are routinely won by athletes who would not be cleared to play if the context were different. These athletes are certainly advised by an elite multi-disciplinary medical team and chose to pursue the opportunity in front of them anyways. Many who are unfamiliar with sport don’t know that Vonn already raced that downhill track 2x without her ACL and showed that she can hold top speeds and compete (a 10th and a 3rd in training).
So yes, you can compete without an ACL. Is this the ending that Vonn wanted… guaranteed not. Saying that, let’s show empathy for an amazing athlete that has brought so much to women’s sport, alpine skiing and human perseverance. 😊
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