At age 40, ski legend Lindsey Vonn is making headlines as she prepares for her return to World Cup ski racing, nearly six years after her retirement. Vonn, whose illustrious career includes 82 World Cup victories, will compete this weekend at St. Moritz, Switzerland, where she aims not only to rekindle her racing spirit but also to solidify her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.
Vonn’s comeback is set against the backdrop of her long battle with injuries. She took her last competitive run at the 2019 World Championships, where she earned bronze, ending her career amid struggles from years of wear and tear on her body. Recently, Vonn underwent knee replacement surgery, which has left her feeling revitalized. "It’s like I am brand new again and it's such an amazing feeling," Vonn remarked about her new knee, emphasizing her hope for pain-free skiing.
Her coach, Chris Knight, has been optimistic leading up to the races. “She’s not far away,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of returning to competitive form. This sentiment resonates with fans and critics alike, as questions linger over how competitive Vonn can be against younger athletes like Sofia Goggia and Lara Gut-Behrami.
Vonn's first races back on the World Cup circuit will be two super-G events this weekend. So far, she's participated in two lower-tier FIS super-G races at Copper Mountain, Colorado, finishing 19th and 24th. These results, albeit not indicative of her full potential, were necessary to secure qualifying points for the World Cup. “Obviously, I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t hope to be racing. I have aspirations. I love to go fast,” Vonn expressed, underlining her enthusiasm for the sport.
For her comeback at St. Moritz, she'll face significant competitors right from the start. The race format will see her begin after the top 30 racers, starting at position No. 31 due to new wildcard regulations aimed at supporting former champions. This could actually work to her advantage, as it allows her to gauge the course after the top competitors have taken on the challenging terrain.
The St. Moritz course is known for its unique challenges, including high winds and varied snow conditions. Knight pointed out, “Maybe starting No. 31 won’t be so bad,” as it could help Vonn benefit from freshly packed snow.
Vonn's career statistics are monumental; she was once the most decorated female skier with 82 World Cup wins, placing her second overall, just behind Mikaela Shiffrin's current record of 99. Despite the pressure to perform and the looming specter of competition, Vonn emphasizes her primary motivation—her enduring love for skiing. “Life is short. You gotta live every day to the maximum, and that's all I'm doing,” she stated.
Her return to the slopes isn’t just about numbers and records. Vonn articulated her decision on social media, addressing skepticism around her comeback: “I'm getting pretty tired of people predicting negative things about my future.” She aims to enjoy her passion for skiing without the weight of proving herself to the critics.
While her times during training last weekend at Beaver Creek were behind the leading competitors—1.2 seconds off the downhill winner and 1.4 seconds behind the super-G winner—Knight reassured, “She’s still got a lot left. She can push a lot harder.” Vonn herself mirrored this mindset, noting, “I know my way back to competitive level might take a race or two, but I certainly intend on getting back to where I was before.”
Looking forward, Vonn's eyes are set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She describes competing there as the ultimate goal. “I don’t need the spotlight or attention,” she asserted. “I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.”
This weekend, the world will be watching as Lindsey Vonn takes her place once again on the start line, fingers crossed for what could be the next thrilling chapter in her storied career. With her newfound resolve and health, Vonn is ready to embrace the exhilarating unpredictability of ski racing once more.
Whether this comeback will etch new records or simply serve as closure for her remarkable career remains to be seen. One thing is for certain: Lindsey Vonn, with her titanium knee and indomitable spirit, is back on the slopes, and she's ready to write her own narrative.
