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Winter Olympics live: Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn battles through ACL rupture in women’s downhill

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Women’s downhill

It’s a stunning day in Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the conditions look perfect.

A reminder of the Olympia delle Tofane course: it’s 2,572m in length, with a 760m vertical drop, starting altitude of 2,320m and finish altitude of 1,560m. The athletes must go through 36 gates as they rocket down to the bottom.

(REUTERS)

Flo Clifford8 February 2026 10:28

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Not long to go!

We are five minutes out from the women’s downhill getting underway in Cortina!

Stay tuned for all the action, including Lindsey Vonn’s run, right here.

Will Castle8 February 2026 10:25

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Who are the top contenders?

Lindsey Vonn may be the big story surrounding this event, but the fact remains that she will have to pull off something of a miracle to get on the podium with a ruptured ACL.

So, we turn our attention to the contenders.

Sofia Gogg joins Vonn as the other former Olympic champions in Cortina, while world champion Breezy Johnson is among the favourites.

Experienced German duo Emma Aicher and Kira Weidle-Winkelmann, second and third in the discipline rankings respectively, are also in with a good shout while Norwegian Kajsa Vickhoff Lie – previously twice on the podium in Cortina -and in-form Austrian Nina Ortlieb lead the outsiders.

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Will Castle8 February 2026 10:20

Lindsey Vonn racing at Winter Olympics with torn ACL ‘definitely doable’, claims ex-champion

Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn is set for an extraordinary return to the slopes for the Winter Games, just days after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), with fellow American and former teammate Julia Mancuso declaring such a feat “definitely doable”.

“Normally it happens in the beginning of the season and they have a lot of time to strength train and test it out,” Mancuso, who is the same age as Vonn at 41, shared on Instagram.

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“This is going to be unique because she’s going to be testing it in the training runs and we’re going to be watching it and experiencing it live with her.”

Racing without an ACL, relying solely on a brace, “can be very difficult, but it’s definitely doable, especially with no swelling,” Mancuso explained, acknowledging Vonn’s own admission that she would not be the same athlete as before the crash.

“She’s still going to try and do her best,” Mancuso affirmed. “I think we’re going to live that experience with her … hoping she can find the strength to finish the downhill course and hopefully get a good result.”

Will Castle8 February 2026 10:16

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Lindsey Vonn vows to ‘stand tall’ as Team USA braces for frosty Winter Olympics reception amid ICE protests

“I realise the magnitude of the position that I’m in right now,” Lindsey Vonn said.

“And I think the best thing I can do is to do exactly what I said. Stand tall and have hope. And show the world what America is, who we are as people. Because we are more than what’s happening right now.

“I always do my best to make our country proud. And I hope I can do that in these Games.”

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Will Castle8 February 2026 10:09

Today’s schedule

  • 10.30am–12.50pm: Women’s downhill 🏅
  • 1.05pm–2.40pm: Mixed relay 4x6km 🏅
  • 11.30am–1pm: Men’s 10km+10km skiathlon 🏅
  • 9.05am–11.05am: Mixed doubles round robin
  • 1.35pm-3.35pm: Mixed doubles round robin
  • 6.05pm–8.05pm: Mixed doubles round robin
  • 6.30pm–10.05pm: Team event (pairs free skating, women’s singles free skating, men’s singles free skating) 🏅
  • 3.40pm–6.10pm: Women’s preliminary round
  • 8.10pm–10.40pm: Women’s preliminary round
  • 4pm–6.40pm: Men’s singles runs 3 and 4 🏅
  • 8am–10am: Men’s parallel giant slalom qualification, Women’s parallel giant slalom qualification
  • 12pm–1.40pm: Men’s parallel giant slalom final 🏅 Women’s parallel giant slalom final 🏅
  • 6.30–8.45pm: Women’s snowboard big air qualification
  • 3pm–5.20pm: Men’s 5000m 🏅

Will Castle8 February 2026 10:02

Anti-ICE backlash and Vance’s presence fail to chill enthusiasm as USA get Winter Olympics underway

“We understand politics and we know we don’t operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments,” she said.

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Of course that statement was in itself political. An emphasis on remaining neutral was the clearest signal yet that Russia could be welcomed back into the Olympic fold, while it was also a non-comment on the continued participation of Israel at the Games, and a conciliatory hand extended to the American organisers of the next Olympics just two years away, despite the US administration’s brutality against its own citizens in Minneapolis.

Protests have broken out in Milan at the role of ICE agents in policing the Games; they are unlikely to have felt calmed by vice president JD Vance’s refusal this week to apologise to the family of Alex Pretti, who was gunned down by federal agents last month. “For what?” was his flippant response.

Flo Clifford8 February 2026 09:55

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Lindsey Vonn hits back at doctor who raised doubts over ACL rupture

Lindsey Vonn has forcefully dismissed suggestions from a sports doctor questioning the severity of her recent knee injury, ahead of Sunday’s Olympic downhill race.

“What was the state of her ACL before the crash last week?” sports medicine doctor Brian Sutterer queried. “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.

“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.”

Vonn, who currently leads the World Cup downhill standings and has secured two victories this season, hit back: “Lol thanks doc. 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.”

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Will Castle8 February 2026 09:48

Lindsey Vonn’s coach explains why she still has Winter Olympics medal hope despite ACL rupture

Lindsey Vonn’s coach, Aksel Lund Svindal, believes the American’s formidable mental strength will be key to overcoming recent injury woes and securing another Olympic medal in Sunday’s women’s downhill event in Cortina.

“She knows she’ll have to push harder tomorrow, because the rest of the girls will, and it’s the Olympic downhill. You’re not going to get away with a medal here unless you push hard,” he said.

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“Good enough to win this race, hopefully. But her mental strength, I think that’s why she has won as much as she has.”

Will Castle8 February 2026 09:41

Lindsey Vonn at the Olympics

Lindsey Vonn was expected to be one of the biggest stars at this year’s events as she has a storied history at the Winter Olympics – dating back to Salt Lake City in 2002, over two decades ago.

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She also competed at the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010 and 2018. In 2010, in Vancouver she took home the gold medal for the women’s Alpine downhill.

Vonn announced her retirement in 2018 and said she would hang up her skis competitively the next year as “Physically, I’ve gotten to the point where it doesn’t make sense…”

Five years later, in 2024, Vonn announced her return to the sport competitively after successful knee replacement surgery.

Lindsey Vonn poses for a portrait during the Team USA Media Summit ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games
Lindsey Vonn poses for a portrait during the Team USA Media Summit ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games (Getty)

Will Castle8 February 2026 09:34

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Josh Frey’s 2026 NFL Draft Guide: Toledo Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

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Toldeo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in 2023
Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

This year’s safety class has become all about Caleb Downs.

Rightfully so as the Ohio State product has all the tools to become a starter at the NFL level. However, there is another defensive back prospect out of Toledo who has begun catching the eyes of many as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. That player is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Background

Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

Statistics

  • 2022: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble (13 games)
  • 2023: 69 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles (14 games)
  • 2024: 61 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 5 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble (8 games)
  • 2025: 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 5 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered (13 games)

Measurables

  • Height: 6′ 3 1/2″
  • Weight: 201
  • Hand Size: 9 1/4″
  • Arm Length: 32 1/8″
  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.52
  • 10-Yard Split: 1.58
  • 20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
  • Vertical: 35.5″
  • Broad Jump: 10′ 2″
  • 3-Cone: N/A
  • Bench: N/A

Experience is not an issue for McNeil-Warren heading into the NFL. He began making starts during his sophomore season in 2023 before taking over the role fully during his junior year. While his 2024 season was cut short due to an undisclosed injury. That didn’t seem to hamper him in 2025 though as he bounced back and had another fantastic season for the Rockets.

Strengths

Sep 14, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (3) runs the ball against Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images

McNeil-Warren is an absolute demon at the safety position against the run. He is not afraid of contact and uses his size to deliver massive hits, hence why he forced nine fumbles over his four years in college, including a MAC-leading four during his sophomore year in 2023. His ability to drive downhill on running lanes in the box and bring some pop is a special trait that NFL defenses will crave.

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The athletic ability should not be slept on either. McNeil-Warren has an innate ability to pick the right lane through blockers and turn his hips to make seamless direction changes, sniffing out the football along the way. His ability to make open field tackles is extremely impressive.

On top of that, among FBS safeties with at least 200 coverage snaps in 2025, he was PFF’s top graded player with a coverage grade of 92.0. He was targeted just 15 times this season, and he gave up just six receptions for 116 yards with five pass breakups.

Weaknesses

2026 NFL Draft Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Aug 30, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Dante Dowdell (2) jumps over Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) during the third quarter at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Much like Quinyon Mitchell a couple years ago, many of the concerns stem from the level of competition McNeil-Warren went up against in college. It’s easier to make plays when you’re one of the fastest players on the field, but that speed will become the norm at the NFL level.

While tackling has been a strong suit throughout his career, there seemed to be some lapses in focus during his senior season. He more than doubled his missed tackle numbers from six in 2024 to 13 in 2025. H0pefully, that won’t become a trend as a pro.

2026 NFL Draft Projection

Sep 14, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (3) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) and Toledo Rockets safety Maxen Hook (25) during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
  • NFL Draft Projection: Day 1-Day 2 (Mid-Round 1 to Early Round 2)
  • Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers

McNeil-Warren may end up falling a bit further in the draft because of where he played his college football, but at some point, talent is talent. The man is an extremely fun football player to watch, brings tons of energy and physicality, and he has the potential to be a cornerstone for a defense in the NFL.


Editor’s Note: Statistics from Pro Football Focus helped with this article.

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Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey

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What is Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft?

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Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft is a unique mod that drastically increases the game’s difficulty to bizarre levels. The hardest vanilla difficulty is the hardcore mode. In hardcore mode, you will lose the world once you die. While the Impossible Difficulty datapack does not feature the hardcore mechanic, it adds all kinds of other dangers that you cannot even imagine.

Here are more details about the Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft.


Features and download guide for Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft

What does the Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft offer?

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When you enter a Minecraft vanilla world, you start by punching a tree to get some wood and create a crafting table to make basic tools. However, in the Impossible Difficult datapack for Minecraft, you will not even be able to punch a tree without danger.

When you try to punch a tree, the entire tree will explode and kill you instantly. If you manage to get wood and create a crafting table, the block will terrifyingly convert into a killing machine, with a bazooka and two cutting discs. If you finally defeat all the hostile mobs in a structure and open chests to loot, a custom shulker mob will appear from it and kill you with a laser gun.

Villages will not be safe as well, as villagers will turn into masked serial killers, running towards you with chainsaws. Creepers can randomly multiply all around you, trapping you in a massive explosion, furnace block will become a flamethrower while smelting items, and much more.

In various other bizarre and hilarious ways, the Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft makes the game almost unplayable. Despite all this, the unique ways in which the modder has increased the game’s difficulty are worth checking out at least once.

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Below are some of the settings you can change using commands. Make sure to go into creative mode in order to use these commands:

  • /trigger difficulty set <1-3>
  • /trigger dragon_difficulty set <1-3>
  • /trigger toggle_armor_slowdown
  • /trigger toggle_chest
  • /trigger toggle_endermen
  • /trigger toggle_flashbang
  • /trigger count_features

How to download and install the Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft?

Both the Impossible Difficulty datapack and resourcepack need to be installed (Image via CurseForge/McMakistein)Both the Impossible Difficulty datapack and resourcepack need to be installed (Image via CurseForge/McMakistein)
Both the Impossible Difficulty datapack and resourcepack need to be installed (Image via CurseForge/McMakistein)

Here is a guide to download and install the Impossible Difficulty datapack for Minecraft:

  1. Make sure you have Minecraft 1.21.1 installed from the official launcher. You can do so by going into Java Edition’s “Installations” tab, create new installation, and selecting 1.21.1.
  2. Download both the Impossible Difficulty Resourcepack and Datapack. As of now, it is only compatible with 1.21.1. The modder might create updated versions in the future.
  3. Once downloaded, open the Minecraft directory, which should be here for every player: C:\Users\{your username}\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft.
  4. In this folder, find or create “datapacks” and “resourcepacks” folders, and transfer Impossible Difficulty files to both.
  5. Open the Minecraft launcher again and open the 1.21.1 game version. Create a new world, and start enjoying the extra difficulty.

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