Vonn's Injury May Alter Olympic Betting Lines

Sports News - February 10th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Lindsey Vonn has become the face of the American Winter Olympics, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated two weeks ago and being featured in several others as the games approach.

But that may be all that's left for her.

The female skiing phenom is in limbo after crashing hard during a training run in Austria a week ago, leaving her with a bruised shin and long odds to participate in the games at all. She was the favorite in most Olympic Sportsbooks to take at least one gold medal, but her unknown status has oddsmakers tweaking the Olympic Betting Lines.

“I’m sitting here today questioning whether, you know, I’ll be even able to ski,” Vonn said. “I have to play it by ear.”

Her first race would be on Sunday, the second official day of the games, as the women compete in the super-combine. According to Bodog, Germany's Maria Riesch is now the favorite to win that race at 2/1, but isn't far behind with 9/4 odds. She was scheduled to compete in five alpine events throughout the Olympics, but may now be limited to only two or three.

Vonn hasn't been skiing since the accident and isn't sure how severe the injury will be when it's time for her to compete. But an ailment of such nature is extremely painful for downhill skiers who need to plant and swivel on a dime. Not to mention putting boots on has even been a struggle, meaning step one may not even be a possibility.

She is said to be "very emotional, very scared" as the opening ceremonies approach this weekend -- and rightfully so. Vonn was the favorite to win several medals in the games after winning the last two World Championships.

Vonn may get a little inspiration from the memories of her past injuries in which she rebounded rather quickly and performed well. In 2006, she bruised her back during a training session for the Olympics and went to the hospital for tests. When nothing further was revealed, she opted to continue the games and finished eighth in the downhill.

She is still favored for the gold in that event this year, with 5/6 odds on Bodog. Reish and Anja Paerson

Two months ago, she sprained her wrist during a messy spill in the World Cup slalom and feared she would have to pull out. But when only a sprain showed up in X-rays, she continued the tournament and won three-straight races.