Lindsey Vonn Plans For 2018 Olympics After Missing The Sochi Games Because Of A Knee Injury

Lindsey Vonn's knee injury has forced her to pull out of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, but this isn't the end of her skiing career. As she recovers from surgery, Vonn is planning for her return to the slopes and vowing to complete in the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea.

On Tues., Jan. 28, Vonn spoke with the Today Show's Matt Lauer, assuring him that while she won't be skiing in Sochi, she is gonna be skiing next year, and the year after that, and the year after that." 

"After making the decision not to compete in Sochi, I have actually committed myself to racing through to the next Olympics [the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea]," she said. "I'm very motivated. I have a lot that I want to accomplish still. I'm going to take my time. I felt a little bit rushed last time, trying to be back and ready for Sochi. I'm not going to probably ski until October."

In the meantime, Vonn has taken on a new role -- as an Olympic Games correspondent for Today and NBC Sports. And although she's super excited to be involved with the games while unable to compete, she's not all that thrilled with the job's grueling schedule.

"I'll tell you what I'm not looking forward to is waking up this early,'' she joked. "I've never done something like this before, and I'm looking forward to this new challenge." 

Following her knee surgery on Jan. 15, Vonn took to Facebook where she gave fans an update on her condition.

"Surgery was successful! Resting with loved ones and of course my cuddle buddy Leo," she wrote. "So thankful to have such great people helping me. Will update more later. Xo Lindsey."

The 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi begin on Feb. 6.