What once seemed an impossible mission is now appearing increasingly plausible. Just one week after being airlifted from a Swiss mountain, Lindsey Vonn's descents down the Cortina pistes are defying the widespread belief that an Olympic podium cannot be reached on one good leg.
A Remarkable Recovery
From 11th place in Friday's practice session to securing third position in Saturday's final warm-up run, the 41-year-old American is approaching Sunday's downhill race with a speed that appeared desperately unrealistic upon her arrival in Italy. The assumption that her Olympic dreams were over has been thoroughly challenged by her performance this week.
Racing Against Medical Advice
Now, it seems reasonable to reinstate Vonn as a genuine contender, despite competing with ruptured cruciate ligaments in her left knee and the poor aerodynamics of a necessary support brace. Regarding the brace, her coach Aksel Lund Svindal half-joked on Saturday that Vonn might even be tempted to remove it, given her remarkable progress.
He stated: 'It will, for sure, affect the aerodynamics negatively, but I think that's minor. We're not focusing on that, because if she starts to ask to take the brace away, I think there's a couple of doctors that would have something to say about that. So, please don't ask her that question.'
Controversy and Criticism
The subject of medical professionals is particularly relevant here. Numerous doctors have questioned Vonn's wisdom in racing with such a severe injury. Meanwhile, less qualified individuals on social media have suggested the damage cannot be as bad as initially disclosed, theorizing that the American athlete might be exaggerating for publicity.
Vonn's response has been as aggressive as her skiing style. She has posted multiple retorts on her X account, along with the surprising admission that she is racing completely without painkillers. For these reasons and many others, it would be extraordinary if she leaves Italy with a medal, let alone secures a second gold medal sixteen years after her first Olympic triumph.
Growing Confidence
Svindal's confidence in Vonn's capabilities appears to be steadily increasing. 'Today was important, and she did pretty good,' he remarked. 'She was very calm when she came down. She talked about skiing and was calm and didn't talk about the knee at all. And then I didn't want to ask either, because I figured that's a good sign.'
'How I've learned to know her is when she's calm it means she feels like she has it under control. She knows she'll have to push harder tomorrow, because the rest of the girls will, and it's the Olympic downhill. You're not going to get away with a medal here unless you push hard.'
The Mental Edge
Svindal emphasized Vonn's psychological strength as a key factor. 'She is good enough to win this race, hopefully. But her mental strength, I think that's why she has won as much as she has. And she also has some experience now, at 41 years old. I think that's what she needs to bring out tomorrow.'
This combination of veteran experience, unparalleled mental fortitude, and sheer determination is what makes Vonn's comeback attempt so compelling. As she prepares for Sunday's downhill event, the sporting world watches with bated breath, witnessing what could become one of the most miraculous comebacks in Olympic history.
