Lindsey Vonn, the renowned alpine ski champion, has announced her comeback at the age of 40, expressing her eagerness to return to competitive skiing after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year. The former Olympic champion and one of the most accomplished athletes in the sport revealed her plans on Instagram, sharing her excitement about the prospect of racing again.
Vonn highlighted that she feels healthy for the first time in years, five years after retiring from professional skiing. “Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” she remarked in a statement from U.S. Ski & Snowboard. Vonn is looking forward to rejoining the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and contributing her extensive knowledge to up-and-coming athletes in the sport.
Throughout her storied career, Vonn has broken numerous records, including the most World Cup victories in both downhill and super-G disciplines. With 82 World Cup wins, she is second only to legends Mikaela Shiffrin and Ingemar Stenmark in total victories. Her strong presence in all five skiing disciplines—including downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom, and combined—places her in an elite group of female skiers.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard President Sophie Goldschmidt expressed excitement about Vonn’s return, noting her inspiring dedication to alpine skiing. However, Vonn’s path has not been without challenges; her career has been marred by significant knee injuries, requiring at least nine surgeries, which have hindered her ability to compete.
In a personal account shared earlier, Vonn revealed her struggles with severe knee degeneration, primarily affecting the lateral compartment, and detailed the revolutionary knee replacement surgery she underwent to reclaim her athletic life. She described this experience as the beginning of a new chapter for her.
As speculation about her return grows, Vonn’s recent training appearances in New Zealand and Austria have ignited hope among fans and fellow athletes alike that she might compete as soon as December when World Cup races are set to occur in Colorado. Notably, friend and fellow speed skier Sofia Goggia expressed her enthusiasm for Vonn’s potential return, emphasizing how inspiring it would be to race alongside her idol.
Vonn’s spirit and perseverance are exemplified by her earlier ambitions, such as mastering the notoriously challenging Streif downhill course in Kitzbühel, Austria, despite facing the daunting challenge of steep inclines and demanding jumps.
With this bold move, Lindsey Vonn not only aims to break barriers in her comeback but also serves as an inspiration for athletes everywhere, proving that ambition, resilience, and a love for one’s sport can drive remarkable comebacks, regardless of age.
In summary, Vonn’s return to competitive skiing represents a testament to her remarkable resilience and desire to continue contributing to the sport she loves. Her journey encourages hope and determination in athletes, reminding us all that it’s never too late to pursue our passions.