Scientist: Vonn's Olympic Skiing Possible Despite Injury

Lindsey Vonn's aspiration to compete in the Milano Cortina Olympics downhill event shortly after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been deemed extraordinary yet potentially achievable. A U.S. musculoskeletal scientist suggests that Vonn's elite conditioning and the use of external knee support could enable her participation.

While a torn ACL is typically a season-ending injury requiring extensive rehabilitation, Vonn's strength and prior remarkable recovery from knee replacement surgery indicate a significant capacity for physical adaptation. The scientist emphasized that Vonn's ability to ski without further injury hinges on the surrounding musculature and ligaments adequately stabilizing her knee against the extreme forces of downhill racing.

External bracing may offer crucial support, mimicking the ACL's stabilizing function by limiting tibia movement. Vonn is scheduled for downhill training and aims for Sunday's event, with her decision to continue racing beyond that dependent on safe stability, not pain. She and her physicians are reportedly carefully evaluating the risks.

Downhill skiing places considerable load on the knee, and while there are no specific biomechanical advantages in skiing with a ruptured ACL, Vonn's training and self-awareness are considered important factors in her decision-making process regarding her competition.