Skier Lindsey Vonn won't back down
5/8/202610 min
Skiing star Lindsey Vonn was on the cusp of capping off one of the most remarkable career comebacks the Olympics has ever seen. Then it all changed.
It had been six years since she stepped away from competitive skiing due to injuries and made her triumphant return at the 2026 Winter Olympics. But then it came all tumbling down. Millions watched as the 41-year-old had the worst crash of her career.
Most people wouldn't want to show their face in public again — not Lindsey Vonn.
NPR's Becky Sullivan sat down with her and shares her story.
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It was edited by Russell Lewis and Courtney Dorning.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsScott Detrow· Host0:00
It's Consider This, where every day we go deep on one big news story. Today, the agony of defeat and the long road back. It started early this year.
Speaker 1· Soundbite0:10
Here's Lindsey Vonn.
Scott Detrow· Host0:11
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approached, there was one athlete everyone was waiting to see, Lindsey Vonn. The skiing star was on the cusp of capping off one of the most remarkable career comebacks ever after a five-year retirement and a knee replacement. But even before the Games began, Vonn crashed and injured her knee.
Speaker 1· Soundbite0:30
Where is Vonn? Where is Vonn? Oh, Vonn is in the netting. Oh, my goodness me. Lindsey Vonn has crashed out.
Lindsey Vonn· Guest0:41
I completely ruptured my ACL. I know what my chances were before the crash, and I know my chances aren't the same as it stands today, but I know there's still a chance, and as long as there's a chance, I will try.
Scott Detrow· Host0:55
And so she did. Millions watched on February 8th as the 41-year-old started her race on the slope at Cortina.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:01
Here we go with Lindsey Vonn in this amazing comeback.
Scott Detrow· Host1:05
And just 13 seconds into her downhill run, everything changed.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:09
Oh, no. Right at the top of the challenge, Lindsey Vonn smashes in the opening traverse, and the Olympic dream is over.
Scott Detrow· Host1:19
Her arm clipped a gate, sent her body flying, and tumbling down the hill. She landed hard. Her leg was badly broken.
Speaker 1· Soundbite1:27
Medical assistance is there for Vonn,