American skier Lindsey Vonn says there is still a small chance she will return to racing. At 41, she is the oldest member of the U.S. alpine skiing team, which competes on mountain slopes. She is listed for the 2026–27 season, although her return depends on her recovery.
Vonn broke her leg when she crashed in the women's downhill race at the February 2026 Winter Olympics. Earlier this year, she also tore her ACL, a strong band of tissue inside the knee. Her broken leg required eight operations, and she spent almost two months in a wheelchair. She described this injury as the hardest of her life. Unlike earlier recoveries, she struggled to feel that she was making progress.
Vonn was the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in downhill skiing. Despite the pain and the difficulty of being away from racing, she still loves the sport. She says previous injuries encouraged her to work harder and return stronger. That love helps explain why she has not ruled out another attempt.
