When Olympic gold medalist and American skiing legend Lindsey Vonn announced she would compete in the Winter Olympics despite a ruptured ACL, it raised eyebrows across the sports world. Can an athlete really perform at the highest level without one of the knee’s most important stabilizing ligaments?

According to Dr. Michael Bellinger, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at University Orthopedics, the answer—while complex—is yes, it’s possible.

A High-Stakes Return to the World Stage

Vonn, who came out of retirement with her sights set on one more Olympic run, will race in the women’s downhill event with a torn ACL in her left knee and a surgically reconstructed right knee reinforced with titanium. It’s an extraordinary comeback that underscores both her determination and the intense physical demands of elite skiing.

In a recent NBC 10 story reported by Nicole Mader, Dr. Bellinger explained why this remarkable feat may be achievable for a world-class athlete like Vonn.

How Can Someone Ski Without an ACL?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) plays a crucial role in maintaining knee stability, particularly during twisting and pivoting motions—movements commonly encountered in skiing. However, Dr. Bellinger notes that elite ski racers train very specifically to compensate for ligament injuries.

“Ski racers will very purposely focus their preparation, strength, and fitness on the muscle groups that substitute for the different ligaments around the knee,” Dr. Bellinger explained.

In other words, strong surrounding muscles—particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core—can help stabilize the knee when a ligament is damaged. Years of elite training, combined with natural athletic ability, can make a critical difference.

Not Common—But Not Unheard Of

Alexander Ziegler, a Brown University ski racer who recently tore his ACL, is currently being treated by Dr. Belanger. 

“It’s shocking, but it’s not necessarily unheard of,” Ziegler said, noting Vonn’s legendary status and singular focus on returning to Olympic competition.

Understanding the Risks

While competing without an ACL can be possible in certain circumstances, Dr. Bellinger emphasized that it’s not without risk.

“The more concerning scenario is if the knee becomes unstable and leads to a crash or another serious injury,” he said.

For most patients, ACL injuries still require careful evaluation, individualized treatment, and often surgical reconstruction—especially for those who want to return to high-demand sports.

What This Means for Patients

Lindsey Vonn’s story highlights how no two ACL injuries are exactly the same. Factors such as activity level, muscle strength, knee stability, and long-term goals all play a role in determining the right treatment path.

At University Orthopedics, our specialists work with athletes of all levels—from weekend warriors to elite competitors—to create personalized treatment and recovery plans designed to restore strength, stability, and confidence.

As Vonn takes to the slopes once again, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human body’s resilience—and the importance of expert orthopedic care.