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Olympians Don't Need Your Permission

What's going on: Lindsey Vonn’s comeback didn’t get its fairy-tale ending. The 41-year-old ski legend crashed 13 seconds into the Olympic downhill final on Sunday — just enough time for everyone to play doctor and second-guess her decision to race. Vonn, who’s in stable condition and getting treatment for a complex leg fracture, said the crash had “nothing to do with” the ACL she tore days earlier. The real cause? She clipped a gate. While her explanation didn’t satisfy armchair experts, fellow skiers stood behind her. Teammate Keely Cashman called the ACL narrative “totally incorrect.” Italian medalist Federica Brignone didn’t mince words either: “It’s her choice. If it’s your body, then you decide what to do, whether to race or not. It’s not up to others.”

Our take: Some call Vonn’s decision to compete reckless. We see a woman who did the math, knew the risks, and refused to let anyone else make decisions for her. She didn’t wing this — she consulted her medical team. Vonn nailed two training runs, and every checkpoint said go. And let’s be clear: In downhill skiing — one of the most dangerous alpine events there is — “go” means something different. Skiers drop in at 80 mph, and crashes happen regularly. Vonn wasn’t even the only skier airlifted off the mountain that day. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation said that “every single athlete has a small injury of some kind.” Her comeback put a target on her back. But Vonn’s response? “I have no regrets.” 

Related: Something Strange Is Happening With the Olympic Medals (Sports Illustrated)

Pick Six

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🏈 Imagine getting the Lombardi Trophy from your high school classmate. Yep, these two definitely didn’t peak senior year.

⚽️ We’re totally hung up on seeing Madonna as a soccer mom. Bet she brings the best orange slices. 

Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

…This doesn't look good for the NBA. 

If you think a partnership between an athlete and a betting platform sounds like a conflict of interest, you’re not the only one. After Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't traded by the NBA deadline, he announced he became a shareholder of the prediction market Kalshi. Yes, the very platform where people bet on whether or not he’d be traded. While the Bucks player will be forbidden from NBA-related trading markets, many agree the new partnership is not a good look for the superstar or the league. In the last couple of years, the NBA banned Jontay Porter and sidelined Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier due to gambling-related probes. Cue even more trust issues between the league and its fans. 

Related: Giannis Just Made a Huge Bet by Joining This Team (Hypebeast)

In Her Court

We caught up with Olympian Laila Edwards ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Edwards, who made history as the first Black woman to play for the US Olympic women’s hockey team, shared what her journey to the Games has been like. 

“I got on skates when I was 3 years old. My dad played hockey … He had us on the ice as much as he could so that when I went to just hockey, I’d be a better skater. He had his whole plan that I didn’t know about at the time, but I’d say it’s working out.” 

PS: Find out what keeps Edwards grounded, plus her reaction to the Kelce brothers’ surprise gift, in the full interview here.

Don't Miss a Moment

Winter Olympic events that should be on your radar (all times ET and on Peacock). For more, check out theSkimm’s full Olympic schedule here.

🏒 Friday, Feb 13: Women’s Hockey Quarterfinals at 10:40 am & 3:10 pm

⛷️ Saturday, Feb 14: Men’s Large Hill Ski Jumping (medal event) at 11:30 am

⛸️ ​ Sunday, Feb 15: Women’s 500m Speed Skating (medal event) at 11 am

Psst…here’s the latest medal count.

Winter Giveaway

Yes, you can look like an Olympian — or at least feel like one. To celebrate theSkimm’s new Instagram account dedicated to our Well Played podcast and the sports stories you care about most, we’re giving away a prize bundle worth more than $1,100. Just follow @wellplayedbytheskimm before Friday, Feb 13th at midnight ET to enter.

Full sweepstakes rules here.

In Our Rotation

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

Meet the chic, under-$10 hat helping us cheer on Team USA. 

Funnel-neck tops are so back. This sweatshirt is a nice option for the gym or errands, and it’s 30% off.

The perfect pair of sweatpants doesn’t exi— Just kidding. We found them.

No Notes

Skimmed by Mallory Simon, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Kylie McConville. Fact-checked by Jordan Mamone.