The Olympic Road to Sochi: Lindsay Vonn to Miss the Olympics

Sustaining a season ending knee injury, Lindsay Vonn has announced that she won't be competing in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia in February.

"I am devastated to announce that I will not be able to compete in Sochi. I did everything I possibly could to somehow get strong enough to overcome having no ACL but the reality has sunk in that my knee is just too unstable to compete at this level. I'm having surgery soon so that I can be ready for the World Championships at home in Vail next February" said Vonn. "On a positive note, this means there will be an additional spot so that one of my teammates can go for gold. Thank you all so much for all of the love and support. I will be cheering for all of the Olympians and especially team USA!"

Squaw Valley's Julia Mancuso is one of the US Team's top contenders to represent the country in this winter's Olympics. "While Lindsey won’t be in Sochi, we have a strong team that is well prepared to challenge" said U.S.Ski and Snowboard Association President/CEO Bill Marolt. "The women’s speed team is experienced with five athletes who have achieved World Cup podiums and a seasoned veteran in Julia Mancuso who has won three Olympic medals in her career. Now is the time for those athletes to step up towards our Best in the World vision."

The U.S. Olympic Alpine team will be announced on January 26, 2014.