Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated alpine skier, has once again captured the spotlight with her recent announcement that she has qualified for the Milano Cortina Olympics in February. The 41-year-old ski champion revealed through an Instagram post that this will be her fifth and final appearance at the Olympics, a decision that has brought a mix of excitement and nostalgia among fans and fellow athletes alike.
Vonn’s remarkable journey back to competitive skiing after a seven-year hiatus due to injuries has reinvigorated the narrative surrounding the U.S. ski team going into the 2026 Games. Her comeback has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by four podium finishes in her first five races of the season, including a notable victory in the downhill event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on December 12. This victory marked her first World Cup win since 2018, further solidifying her place in the skiing world.
What makes Vonn’s achievements particularly astonishing is her age. By claiming victory in St. Moritz, she became the oldest woman to win a World Cup race, surpassing the previous record by seven years. She is also distinguished as the first World Cup winner with titanium implants in her right knee, showcasing her extraordinary resilience.
Vonn’s illustrious Olympic career includes gold medals in the downhill and a bronze in super-G at the 2010 Vancouver Games, along with another bronze in downhill at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. The upcoming Olympics in Italy will not only be a showcase of her skills but also a testament to her unwavering competitive spirit, which has endured through numerous challenges and injuries.
Sophie Goldschmidt, president and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, lauded Vonn’s achievements this season, stating, “Lindsey qualifying for the 2026 Olympic team is a testament to her resilience and dedication.” Her incredible comeback serves as an inspiration to many, combining the essence of perseverance and excellence in sports.
As Vonn prepares to step back onto the Olympic stage, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing her determination and passion for skiing once again, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to chasing dreams and defying expectations.