Lindsey Vonn revealed that despite having "completely ruptured" her ACL she still plans to compete in this month's Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old American was airlifted to hospital after crashing in a downhill race in Switzerland on Friday, putting her participation at this month's Games in Milan and Cortina at risk.
However, at a press conference on Tuesday, skier Vonn revealed that despite the extent of her injury, she is "confident" she can compete at the Olympics.
"So last Friday in Crans-Montana, in the last World Cup, I completely ruptured my ACL," Vonn told reporters.
"I also have bone bruising, which is a common injury when you tear your ACL, plus meniscal damage which we're not sure if that was pre-existing or from the crash.
"But we have been doing extensive therapy, consulting with doctors, been in the gym and today I went skiing.
"Considering how my knee feels, it feels stable, I feel strong, my knee is not swollen and with the help of a knee brace I am confident that I can compete on Sunday."
Vonn was crowned Olympic downhill champion at Vancouver 2010 and returned to the sport in December 2024 having initially retired in 2019 and has had a partial knee replacement.
The women's downhill event takes place on Sunday at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre.
She added: "I'm not letting this slip through my fingers, I'm going to do it. End of story.
"I'm not letting myself go down that path. I'm not crying, my head is high, I'm standing tall and I'm going to do my best.
"Whatever the result is that's what it is, but you can never say I didn't try."
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