Hear Anja Pärson’s thoughts on Lindsey Vonn in the player above.
The announcement came just days before the women’s Olympic steeplechase. Lindsey Vonn, 41, announced she tore her ACL when she crashed in Crans-Montana last week.
But that doesn’t stop the alpine superstar – she aims to get to the start on Sunday. Something that does not surprise SVT’s alpine Olympic expert Anja Pärson.
– I would probably have reasoned exactly the same as she does, took a chance, done everything to be on the starting line, she says.
Greater risks: “Can’t fully trust the body”
Pärson explains that, after all, it is possible to compete without a cruciate ligament, but it involves risks.
– Anything can happen. She may experience a stabbing pain in a turn or landing which may cause her to lose control and fall. That she cannot trust her body 100 percent. But as great a legend as she is, I trust that she has a solid grasp of where her limitations go. This is where legends are made.
It remains to be seen whether the American star can strike with an Olympic medal, or even an Olympic gold despite the torn cruciate ligament. A setup that can be well suited to a documentary.
– It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if, in six months, in Hollywood we see a huge premiere of Lindsey Vonn’s comeback. I just hope I get invited, says Anja Pärson.
SVT broadcasts the women’s Olympic steeplechase on Sunday, 11.20.
