Even Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn has to deal with online criticism. Vonn - who tore her ACL during a race at the end of last month - took to social media to clap back at several users who were seemingly questioning the recent injury. "lol thanks doc," Vonn posted via X on Saturday, February 7, in response to a sports medicine doctor who was questioning the state of her injury. "My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn't mean it's not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It's 100% gone." Despite the setback, which occurred during a race on January 30, Vonn will be competing for a gold medal Sunday, February 8, at 5:30 a.m. ET. Lindsey Vonn's Teammate Defends Her Olympics Participation After ACL Tear The original social media post from Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine expert from Missouri, questioned the state of the athlete's ACL before the crash, claiming that if her ACL was torn before the accident she would have an easier time in recovery. "What she is doing now would not be nearly as surprising in an elite athlete whose knee was already functioning like the ACL was torn at baseline," Sutterer said via X. "When you hear stories about 'so and so played for years on a torn ACL', that's chronic, meaning the body has time to adapt and retrain muscles to support the knee." He continued, "Also, someone who had a prior tear/surgery may not be as swollen and painful with a repeat injury. Bottom line, I don't think this was a bread and butter, fresh ACL tear like everyone is thinking." Sutterer went on to respond to Vonn's comment on his post, doubling down and clarifying his original post. "Any prior ACL injuries in that knee? If so, the knee can absolutely learn to compensate in a very functional way," he said. "I'm not trying to minimize your accomplishment, it's insanely impressive. As a sports medicine doctor who takes care of high level athletes and every day folks, there is some nuance in how quickly people can function after an ACL tear and that's what im curious about as we communicate stories like this to the public. Best of luck, I truly am rooting for you." Lindsey Vonn wearing a knee brace during an official training for the women's downhill event during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Tiziana FABI / AFP IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi chimed in on the thread, supporting Vonn on her injury recovery. "Everyone trying to find reasons why you're doing what they said couldn't be done," Rossi posted. "Facts," responded Vonn. The three-time Olympic medalist also commented on a USA Today opinion article by Greg Graber, where he suggested that Vonn is "risking long-term physical repercussions" by competing with the torn ACL, and is "way past" her prime. Lindsey Vonn 'Completely Tore' Her ACL, Still Competing in 2026 Olympics "I'm sorry Greg but this is a very odd opinion piece," Vonn commented. "The pain and suffering is the point? I'm searching for meaning? Why am I taking risk 'at my age?' This ageism stuff is getting really old." She continued, "My life does not revolve around ski racing. I am a woman that loves to ski. I don't have an identity issue, I know exactly who I am. I was retired for 6 years and I have an amazing life. I don't need to ski, but I love to ski. I came all this way for one final Olympics and I'm going to go and do my best, ACL or no. It's as simple as that. And respectfully, if you don't know the story, it might be best not to make assumptions." After injuring her ACL last week, Vonn had to be airlifted off the course, but despite the setback she quickly returned to training in the gym, never wavering in her desire to compete. "I know what my chances in these Olympics were before this crash, and even though my chances aren't the same now, there is still a chance," Vonn said on February 3. "And as long as I have a chance, I will not lose hope. I will not give up! It's not over yet. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and supported me. I feel the love and it is giving me strength."