“Might Need a New Knee”: Ailing Lindsey Vonn Gives a Disheartening Update on Her Health Despite Retirement

Lindsey Vonn is one of the greatest skiers of all time, regardless of gender. Vonn had an illustrious career with 82 world cup victories and three Olympic gold medals, including a gold. However, the alpine skiing legend also suffered multiple major and minor injuries. In fact, the effects of her injuries played a massive part in Vonn’s decision to retire from competitive skiing. In a recent interview with The Red Bulletin by Red Bull, Lindsey Vonn gave a dishearting update on her physical health.

After her historic downhill run at the Streif in Kitzbühel, Austria, Vonn sat for an interview. During the interview, the retired Olympian spoke about her physical and mental health.

A problem that just won’t go away

Lindsey Vonn answered questions about her life after retirement. While she revealed the joys of trying almost every sport at her leisure, she also had some bad news regarding complications from her past injuries. “Four years ago, you said your body yelled at you to stop active skiing. How are you at the moment?” the interviewer asked the Olympian.

“Unfortunately, I’m still physically ailing,” said the alpine skiing legend. Throughout her career, Lindsey Vonn has suffered from a plethora of injuries. Her ACL woes began in 2007 after a crash at the World Championships. Since then, the Olympic gold medalist has repeatedly suffered from ALC (anterior cruciate ligament) issues. 

In 2013, during the World Championships, Vonn crashed, fracturing her right knee and tearing both her ACL and MCL. After recovering from her surgery and while preparing to return to skiing, Vonn crashed again. This time she completely tore her ACL and couldn’t return to competition for an entire year.

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During her interview, Lindsey Vonn said she is still having issues with her knee. “Might need a new knee,” Vonn told The Red Bulletin. However, she had some good news about her mental health. “Mentally, however, I feel stronger than ever after the therapy I underwent,” said Vonn. While Vonn might require surgery again, it’s not stopping her from making history.

Another record for Lindsey Vonn

In January 2023, the three-time Olympic medalist became the first woman to ski down the Streif. “I DID IT!!! I skied the most difficult downhill in the world- The Streif…AT NIGHT!!” Vonn wrote in her Instagram post. Vonn said she had immense respect for the men who take on Streif.

“I have always had so much respect for the men who race this downhill, but I have even more perspective now and even more respect,” wrote the World Cup winner. Vonn dedicated the historic run to her late mother.

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While Lindsey Vonn no longer rips down mountain slopes during competitions, she continues to ski. She also has an intense workout regimen to grow stronger and manage and recover from her past injuries.