When Cameron Brink went down with a torn ACL, the news hit hard for the rising basketball star and her growing fanbase. Known for her intense work ethic and relentless competitive spirit, Brink was faced with one of the most daunting challenges any athlete can face — the long, grueling road to recovery. But she wasn’t alone. In an inspiring display of resilience and connection, Brink reached out to two seasoned athletes who know exactly what it’s like to fight back from a major knee injury: NBA star Jamal Murray and Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn.
Brink recently spoke with ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and revealed that during the course of her rehabilitation, she sought advice from Murray and Vonn — both of whom have faced and conquered ACL injuries in their own careers. Their insights, she said, proved to be invaluable.
Jamal Murray, the standout guard for the Denver Nuggets, suffered a torn ACL in April 2021. The injury sidelined him for over a year, and his absence was deeply felt by the Nuggets. But his comeback has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in a key role during Denver’s run to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. For Brink, watching Murray’s journey — and speaking directly with him about it — provided both comfort and motivation.
“He was super candid and open about what to expect, how the mental side can be just as tough as the physical,” Brink shared. “That really helped me put things into perspective and understand that setbacks are part of the process — but they don’t define your future.”
On the other hand, Lindsey Vonn brings a different, but equally powerful, perspective. A fierce competitor with one of the most decorated careers in alpine skiing history, Vonn has endured numerous injuries, including multiple knee surgeries. Her toughness and determination have become part of her legend, and she was quick to offer Brink her support.
“Lindsey was amazing,” Brink told ESPN. “She told me that healing is not linear and to be patient with my body. She also emphasized staying mentally engaged, even when you’re not on the court — whether it’s through visualization, film study, or just staying connected with your teammates.”
These conversations helped Brink maintain focus and optimism, even during the darker days of rehab. She’s been open about how difficult the journey has been — especially as someone who thrives on competition and team camaraderie. But having access to athletes like Murray and Vonn gave her not just advice, but a sense of community and understanding.
Brink’s path to recovery isn’t just a story of physical healing; it’s one of mental strength, vulnerability, and seeking wisdom from those who’ve walked the same path. It also speaks to a larger narrative — one where athletes across sports and disciplines support each other, recognizing that injuries like ACL tears don’t discriminate by sport, gender, or level.
Now, as Brink continues to work her way back to full strength, she carries with her not only the lessons from her own journey, but also the collective wisdom of champions who’ve been in her shoes. And when she does step back on the court, she’ll bring with her a deeper resilience — forged through pain, perseverance, and the support of those who truly understand what it takes to come back stronger.