Lindsey Vonn Knee Injury Update: Skier Will Miss 2014 Winter Olympics In Sochi

One of the most prolific skier's in the world, Lindsey Vonn continues to grow in popularity as she builds her professional resume. Becoming the first American woman to claim an Olympic gold medal in 2010 -- when she claimed the downhill event at the Vancouver games -- the 29-year-old was expected to be a strong competitor at the upcoming Sochi games. After suffering a significant knee injury at the World Championships in February however, Vonn announced that she will not be able to enter next month's Winter Olympics due to the severity of the damage.

Tearing two ligaments in her right knee after a crash in February, the Vail, Colorado native believed she'd be able to recover in time for the 2014 Winter Games but after tearing the repaired ACL in a November training crash, Vonn was once again forced to battle through injury. Returning to the competitive track in December, the four-time World Cup champion sprained her MCL at a race in Val d'Isere, France, putting an end to any hopes she had of competing in Sochi. Expected to undergo surgery in the coming days, Vonn will now target the 2014-2015 World Cup season and the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships at Vail-Beaver Creek, but she'll be sure to cheer on every athlete representing Team USA this February.

“I am devastated to announce that I will not be able to compete in Sochi,” Vonn said on her

United States Skiing and Snowboard Association president Bill Marolt is also confident in Vonn's ability to recover, noting that her hard work and dedication will serve her well throughout the rehabilitation process.

“In looking ahead, I have every ounce of confidence that Lindsey will be in the starting gate next World Cup season ready to compete," Marolt said. "She knows the hard work it takes to get to the top and still has significant goals to achieve in what has been an incredible career.”