Sophie Cunningham Sends Message After Torn ACL Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 9:09 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham watched as the Indiana Fever put together a surprising run in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. Even without Cunningham and Caitlin Clark , the Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream in the opening round before pushing A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces to overtime in Game 5 of the semifinals.

Cunningham now sees her first season in Indiana come to an end, with her one-year, $100,000 deal expiring. In 30 games played in 2025, former Phoenix Mercury guard averaged 8.6 points on a career-high 46.9% shooting, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. But in mid-August, Cunningham suffered a torn MCL in her right knee, ending her season just before the playoffs began.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While Cunningham continues to work toward a full recovery this offseason, another major event is set to begin in February, as the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan, Italy. Team USA alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn is set to compete in her fifth Olympic Games, chasing a fourth medal and a second gold.

But ahead of Milano Cortina 2026, Vonn was competing in a World Cup downhill race when she suffered a high-speed crash that required her to be airlifted to a hospital. And on Tuesday, Vonn announced the accident resulted in a complete ACL tear, though she still intends to compete in the Winter Olympics.

"Well… I completely tore my ACL last Friday," Vonn wrote on Instagram. "I also sustained a bone bruise (which is a common injury when you tear your ACL), plus meniscal tears but it’s unclear how much of that was there previously and what was new from the crash... After extensive consultations with doctors, intense therapy, physical tests as well as skiing today, I have determined I am capable of competing in the Olympic Downhill on Sunday."

Cunningham, along with Clark, took notice of Vonn’s announcement and sent a message to the Olympian in the comments: “Best news ❤️.”