when does lindsey vonn compete

Lindsey Vonn's Olympic Return: When and Where to Watch the Skiing Legend Compete at Milano Cortina 2026

Lindsey Vonn, the most decorated American ski racer in history, is making a comeback that defies medical logic, age, and expectations. After a five-year retirement and a devastating injury just weeks before the Games, the 41-year-old legend is officially on the roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. For fans wondering exactly when does Lindsey Vonn compete, the schedule is set for a high-stakes showdown on the Italian slopes.

This isn't just another race; it is a testament to resilience. Vonn is preparing to ski on a completely torn ACL, a feat that has stunned the sports medicine community and captivated Olympic viewers across the United States.

The Road to Milano Cortina: A Stunning Return

The narrative surrounding Vonn’s 2026 Olympic journey is defined by grit. Eight years have passed since she last stood on Olympic snow, a period marked by a grueling retirement and a revolutionary robot-assisted knee surgery. However, her return to the World Cup circuit earlier this season signaled that the "retired" label was premature.

The drama intensified in late January, just as the Milan Cortina Games were approaching. During a downhill race, Vonn suffered a crash that resulted in a ruptured ACL. For a skier in their 40s, this injury is typically career-ending. As reported by the BBC, Vonn has actively disputed her doctor's prognosis, refusing to accept that her Olympic dreams were over.

According to Fox News, the skier stunned the skiing world by returning to training just one week after the tear. "Lindsey Vonn stuns in Olympic training run one week after ACL tear," the outlet reported, highlighting a recovery timeline that borders on the superhuman. The New York Times captured the essence of her current state, noting that while she is "skiing on one good knee, it’s a helluva knee."

How to Watch Lindsey Vonn at the 2026 Winter Olympics

For American viewers, Vonn’s return is the marquee storyline of the Winter Games. It has been eight years since her last Olympic appearance, and the technological advancements in skiing equipment—and medical recovery—have been substantial.

While we know she is set to compete, the specific broadcast details will depend on the NBCUniversal coverage schedule in the US. Typically, alpine skiing events are broadcast live on NBC, Peacock, and the NBC Sports app. Given the time zone difference between the US and Italy, fans should prepare for early morning viewing to catch Vonn’s runs live.

When Does Lindsey Vonn Compete? The Official Schedule

Based on the most recent reports and the Olympic alpine skiing schedule, Lindsey Vonn is set to compete in three events at the 2026 Winter Games. All events fall under the alpine skiing discipline. Here is the breakdown of her competition window.

The Downhill: The Main Event

The first, and perhaps most significant, event is the women's downhill. This is Vonn’s signature discipline; she holds the all-time World Cup record for downhill wins (43). The downhill is the purest test of speed and bravery, requiring a skier to navigate a steep, technical course at speeds exceeding 75 mph.

Vonn is scheduled to hit the slopes for her first downhill training session shortly before the Games begin. This training run is crucial, as she will be doing it on a completely torn ACL. The pressure is immense, but the expectation is that if she can handle the training runs, she will be a legitimate contender for the podium.

The Super-G and Combined Events

Vonn is also slated to compete in the Super-G (Super Giant Slalom) and the Alpine Combined. The Super-G is a hybrid of speed and technical skiing, requiring athletes to navigate a winding course at high speed. The Alpine Combined consists of one downhill run and one slalom run, testing versatility.

At 41 years old, Vonn will be one of the oldest competitors in the field, but her experience gives her a distinct advantage in reading the course and managing pressure.

Contextual Background: A Career Defined by Resilience

To understand the magnitude of this comeback, one must look at the historical context of Lindsey Vonn’s career. She is not just a skier; she is a cultural icon who transcended the sport, known for her speed, intensity, and relentless drive.

The Injury History

Vonn’s career has been a battle against gravity and anatomy. She has suffered numerous injuries, including multiple ACL tears in both knees. Her 2018 Olympic appearance was hampered by a severe bruise on her knee, which she competed through despite the pain. Her decision to unretire was fueled by a desire to end her career on her own terms, not sidelined by injury.

The Technological Edge

One fascinating aspect of her 2026 campaign is the medical technology involved. The New York Times reports that Vonn utilized a robot-assisted knee surgery. This advanced procedure, often involving precise robotic arms to place implants, is designed to preserve bone and improve alignment. For a skier with a history of knee issues, this technology may be the key to stabilizing her joints enough to withstand the forces of Olympic racing.

Why She Returned

According to supplementary research, Vonn’s return is driven by a "what if" mentality. After a five-year retirement, she realized she still had the physical capability and the mental fire to compete. The ruptured ACL in January was a setback, but it wasn't a deterrent. For Vonn, competing in Milan is about proving that age and injury do not have the final say.

Immediate Effects: The Impact on the Olympic Landscape

Vonn’s participation has immediate ripple effects across the skiing world and the Olympic broadcast landscape.

The "Vonn Effect" on Media Coverage

The buzz volume surrounding Vonn’s schedule is immense. Media outlets globally are tracking her every move, from her training times to her physical condition. Her presence guarantees high viewership numbers for women's alpine skiing, bringing a casual American audience to the sport who might otherwise tune out.

The Competition Dynamic

For her competitors, Vonn’s entry adds a layer of psychological complexity. Even at 41 and nursing an injury, she is a threat. Her experience allows her to take calculated risks that younger skiers might not dare to attempt. The other skiers know that if Vonn finds a clean line, she can still win.

The Medical Precedent

Vonn’s decision to ski on a ruptured ACL sets a controversial precedent. Sports medicine experts are watching closely. While she disputes the severity of the injury with her doctor, the act of competing with a known ligament tear raises questions about athlete safety and the pressure to perform at the Olympic level.

Future Outlook: What to Expect in Milan

As the Games approach, the narrative is clear: Lindsey Vonn is chasing history one last time.

The Podium Potential

Can she win? The honest answer is that the odds are stacked against her. The field is deep with young, hungry talent like Sofia Goggia and Mikaela Shiffrin. However, the downhill is unpredictable. A single mistake by a favorite opens the door for a veteran like Vonn to slip onto the podium.

Based on the verified news reports, Vonn is training at a high level. If her knee holds up through the training runs, she will likely qualify for all three events. The Super-G and Combined offer her slightly better odds than the pure speed of the Downhill, where the physical toll is highest.

The Final Run

Regardless of the medal count, Vonn’s 2026 Olympic campaign will be historic. She is attempting to do what few athletes have ever done: return to the Olympic stage after a five-year hiatus and compete with a severe injury.

For US fans, the schedule is something to circle on the calendar. Watching Lindsey Vonn compete at Milano Cortina isn't just about seeing a race; it's about witnessing a legacy being cemented.

When to Tune In

While the exact hour-by-hour schedule is subject to the Olympic Committee's final release, the general timeline for her events will be: * Downhill Training: Early February * Downhill Race: Mid-February * Super-G: Late February * Alpine Combined: Closing days of the Games

Stay tuned to official Olympic channels for the precise timing, but know that when the bell rings for the women's downhill, all eyes will be on Lindsey Vonn, the skier who simply refuses to stop.

Disclaimer: While this article is based on verified reports from BBC, Fox News, and The New York Times regarding Lindsey Vonn's injury and Olympic status, specific competition dates and broadcast times are subject to the official schedule released by the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee. Always check local listings for the most accurate viewing information.