• Lindsey Vonn announces she will compete in the Olympic downhill race with a fully torn ACL.
• Vonn criticized a doctor who questioned the severity of her injury, asserting it is completely ruptured.
• Despite her injury, Vonn completed successful training runs, showing strong performance.
• Experts suggest Vonn's exceptional conditioning enables her to ski even after an ACL tear.
• Vonn aims to complete a remarkable comeback story at the Olympics, having previously retired in 2019.

After suffering a complete tear of her ACL in a crash during a World Cup race, Lindsey Vonn remains undeterred and is set to compete in the upcoming Olympic downhill event. Following the incident in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Vonn voiced her determination not to let the injury sideline her, stating, "I'm gonna do it. End of story," highlighting her resilience and commitment. Vonn is among the rare elite athletes who can perform at high levels despite such injuries, which is exemplified by her participation in training runs just days post-injury, according to CBS News, ABC News, and India Times.

During a press conference, Vonn directly addressed doubts raised by a sports medicine doctor regarding her injury, stating, "And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It's 100% gone." This straightforward response emphasized her awareness of her physical condition and her readiness to compete. Vonn's capacity to race after such significant injury is attributed to her superior athletic conditioning and mental fortitude, according to medical experts. Dr. Alexis Colvin described her unique ability, suggesting that "she's built differently than the rest of us", as reported by NPR and ABC News.

Vonn's performance in training runs has been commendable, finishing one practice run with the 11th fastest time out of over 40 competitors. Fellow Team USA skiers expressed confidence in her ability to persevere, showcasing the supportive atmosphere within the team. "If anyone can come back from this, if anyone could do it, it's Lindsey," stated teammate Isabella Wright. This sentiment reflects the collective belief in Vonn's exceptional skill and determination, as noted by CBS News, NPR, and India Times.

As Vonn prepares for the race, the excitement is palpable within the skiing community. Her comeback from retirement and now racing with a fully torn ACL is not just a personal challenge but a significant moment in Olympic history. The stakes are high, and while risks exist, the athlete's spirit shines through. "I'm standing tall. I'm going to do my best, and whatever the result is, that's what it is," Vonn affirmed, inspiring many with her unwavering resolve and dedication, according to CBS News, NPR, ABC News, and India Times.