Lindsey Vonn May Not Race Again Before 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Says U.S. Women's Skiing Coach

Lindsey Vonn is still looking forward to defending her title in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, but the American skier could fail to hit her peak form in time for the competition.

U.S. women's skiing team head coach Alex Hoedlmoser said that the reigning Olympic downhill champion may not race again before the Sochi event after hurting her knee anew last week in France.

"Her knee was swollen again after Val d'Isere," Hoedlmoser told the Associated Press via CBS Sports. "She is working with the guys from [her own team] Red Bull and the medical staff to get that under control. There is no decision yet if, or where she's going to race ahead of the Olympics."

Vonn, who tore her ACL in her right knee during a devastating crash in the World Championships last February, went back to training two months ago in her bid to successfully retain her title in Sochi this February.

However, the 29-year-old skiing star sustained a partial tear in her surgically repaired knee again, which was followed by another scary crash during the downhill competition in Val d'Isere.

Following the scary fall last week, Vonn said that her knee completely "gave out" but it won't stop her from competing in Sochi, while also adding that she is looking to compete in one or two more races before the 2014 Winter Olympics.

"As much as time as I can give myself to really get as strong as I can, like I said, one maybe two races before the Olympics. That's it. I'm going to play it safe and race minimal races, so I can get the confidence and the timing and the feeling of racing again. I'm really going to be safe and smart as I can," Vonn said.

However, Hoedlmoser admitted that Vonn's plan to get into one or two more races is a long shot, considering the latest knee setback, but the long-time skiing coach expressed confidence that Vonn will be ready for the Olympic downhill competition on Feb. 12.

"She has indicated she might try to race Cortina (Jan. 16-19) but it's too early to say that she's going to," Hoedlmoser said. "Maybe she won't race at all if she feels she can do without another race in her preparation for Sochi. I think she's handling it well, and she's determined to race in Sochi."