NBA Legend: "My New Hero Is Lindsey Vonn"
Lindsey Vonn tore her ACL in a crash at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on Friday, January 30, 2026, just nine days before she was scheduled to compete in the Women's Downhill at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Despite the injury, Vonn is "confident in [her] body's ability to perform" and has consulted doctors and physical therapists to make a decision that has inspired the greater sports world.
At 41 years old, and with a newly torn ACL, Vonn will race in Sunday's Downhill.
The announcement sent shock waves of reactions across the globe. Doubters, who most likely thought Vonn wouldn't make the miraculous comeback she's accomplished so far, are active in the comments, but a growing number of mega-star supporters are rallying.
NBA Hall of Famer and in-game color commentator Reggie Miller didn't mince words when speaking about Vonn's decision to compete in spite of her injury.
"Can I say who my new hero is... Lindsey Vonn," said the five-time All-Star. "I'm your biggest fan, and what you're attempting to do is something I don't think any athlete, no professional athlete, has ever attempted to do..."
In addition to Miller's high praise, iconic rapper and media personality Snoop Dogg chimed in with a message of support. "You are a true champion," Snoop says.
Tap or click below to watch Snoop Dogg's full message to Vonn. Keep reading for more.
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Vonn conceded that her "chances aren't the same" following the injury, but assured fans that "as long as there's a chance, I will try," in the press conference confirming the injury.
Plenty of skiers, even elite athletes of Vonn's caliber, have skied without intact ACLs, but attempting to win an Olympic medal sans-knee ligament over the age of 40 is completely unprecedented. But for fans of Vonn, whose career has been anything but precedented, the decision to compete didn't come as a complete shock.
Vonn battled just about every injury under the sun to win 84 times on the World Cup stage and claim three Olympic medals. Sunday's Downhill will presumably be just another page in Vonn's ever-growing volume of adversity overcome.
Vonn was scheduled to log a Downhill training run today, February 5, on the iconic Olympia delle Tofane course in Cortina d'Ampezzo, but heavy snowfall cancelled the session. It seems even Mother Nature is on Vonn's side. An extra day or two of rest will surely help reduce swelling and pain from the knee injury.
All eyes, including all of us here at POWDER, will be on Vonn for Sunday's Downhill. We're going to be rooting hard, regardless of how she finishes the race, but if she's standing atop the podium, you better believe we'll be pounding our chests and celebrating.
Go, Lindsey, go! We've got your back.