One week ago, Lindsey Vonn (USA) tore her ACL at a World Cup event in Cans Montana, Switzerland. Today in Italy, she participated in the women’s downhill training ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. It was her first official Alpine skiing run since sustaining the injury.

The 41-year-old recorded the 11th fastest time (+1.39), which has no medal implications, no bearing on the Olympic Games themselves. That said, in order for Vonn to compete in the downhill medal event in Cortina, she had to partake in at least one official training. She’s cleared that checkpoint, and as long as she doesn’t endure a physical setback, her Winter Olympic dreams can come true. 

Vonn has the opportunity to go for gold in Sunday's downhill at 5:30 a.m. ET, which streams live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.

American Jackie Wiles posted the quickest training time in the 47-racer field on Friday, clocking in at 1:38.94.

Aside from Vonn's return and Wiles crossing the finish line first, the day had its fair share of drama. It started with bright, sunny skies and good visibility, but heavy fog quickly rolled in. Only four athletes had left the starting gate when the race jury called for a Course Hold. 

The pause lasted approximately 80 minutes. Officials were keen on moving forward with the training since Thursday’s was canceled due to poor weather. 

The lengthy delay brought with it plenty of shenanigans at the top of the piste, as racers tried to stay loose.

Cameras picked up Vonn taking a selfie with the rest of Team USA’s speed competitors — Wiles, Breezy Johnson, Bella Wright, Keely Cashman and Mary Bocock — and consulting with them on potential captions.

Minutes later, Bocock, 23, who was born a year before Vonn made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Salt Lake City Games, was seen instructing her teammates on how to do a TikTok dance. Or maybe it was the Electric Slide? Either way, the laughter and camaraderie was on full display.

After training resumed, Johnson — the defending downhill world champion — threw down the first run for the Americans and wound up sixth fastest (+1.11). The 30-year-old is familiar with the venue, but not exactly for the happiest of reasons. Weeks before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, she crashed in Cortina and blew out her knee, forcing her to miss the Games altogether. 

Next up was Vonn. As she motored down the mountain, there were times she appeared hesitant, a little shaky. She missed a gate and floated outside the blue dye where the snow is much less groomed. She didn't try to force her way back onto the course, but instead did so slowly with caution. 

Although the St. Paul, Minnesota, native wasn't ripping it at full speed, she wasn't slow either. In fact, she had a green light (signifying the lead) after multiple sectors, ultimately placing 11th. 

Slovenian Ilka Stuhec, wearer of bib No. 1, suffered a crash but walked away apparently unscathed. The freshly snow could have played a factor, as she skidded and got caught on her inside ski. 

Italy’s own Federica Brignone went second, donning a custom ski helmet with a tiger on it — a nod to her “Snow Tiger” nickname. The three-time Olympic medalist finished 12th behind Vonn.

Of the Americans who started, Wright placed 15th, Cashman 17th and Bocock 31st. Bocock, the first time Olympian, won't compete in Sunday's downhill, but wanted to get the lay of the land. She's expected to race the super-G on Thursday, Feb. 12.

The final women's downhill training before the real deal medal event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 a.m. ET, streaming live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.