Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American ski racer, is gearing up for her much-anticipated return to competitive skiing at the age of 40. After nearly six years since her retirement due to injuries, Vonn will participate in two super-G events at St. Moritz, Switzerland, taking place on December 21 and 22. Her comeback has generated excitement across the skiing community.
The news of Vonn's return broke on social media, with her sponsor Red Bull sharing her eagerness through an Instagram post. "My body is finally put back together," Vonn stated, hinting at her positive outlook as she prepares for the competition. She expressed her excitement, saying, "I hear St. Moritz is nice this time of year." The U.S. Ski Team confirmed her participation shortly after she hinted at her comeback.
Vonn's road back hasn't been easy. She had faced numerous injuries throughout her career, especially to her knee, which forced her to retire from the sport she loves. Her major injuries resulted in her last major race occurring back in February 2019, where she took third place at the World Championships held in Sweden. Despite the challenges, the former champion underwent a partial knee replacement last April, which has allowed her the chance to compete again.
Over her remarkable career, Vonn amassed 82 World Cup victories, setting records for women’s skiing - records now surpassed by her fellow American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who has established herself with 99 wins so far. While Vonn was the most celebrated women skier upon her retirement, Shiffrin's accomplishments have drawn attention and excitement to the sport, especially with Vonn's return now on the horizon.
Czech ski racer Ester Ledecka shared her enthusiasm about Vonn's comeback, stating how sad it was to see her retire. "I think she’ll be very fast. I’m very happy to have her around,” Ledecka expressed. This sentiment reflects the feelings of many athletes and fans who view Vonn not just as a competitor, but as an inspirational figure within the sport.
Vonn's return is made possible not just by her physical recovery but also through her participation in lower-level competitions leading up to her World Cup events. She competed at Copper Mountain, Colorado, recently where she secured the points necessary to qualify for the World Cup circuit. Vonn's determination and hard work have allowed her to prepare diligently for her goals, and she views these upcoming races as not just competitive events, but also personal victories over her previous struggles.
Many athletes have expressed their admiration for Vonn's tenacity. Picabo Street, Vonn's former teammate and fellow Olympic medalist, recognized Vonn's work ethic saying, "She’s living her best life. She’s the hardest working person I’ve met." This encouragement highlights the respect and support Vonn garners from her peers, both current and former.
Before venturing to St. Moritz, Vonn participated as a forerunner at the Birds of Prey races at Beaver Creek, allowing her to regain familiarity with the racing environment. She took part without officially racing, indicating her devoted training regime and readiness to fine-tune her techniques with the slopes.
While there’s seemingly overwhelming excitement about Vonn's return, there remains awareness of the risks involved. Fellow athletes, including French skier Alexis Pinturault, noted the physical challenges Vonn faces, considering her knee damage. Pinturault commented, "Her path is not easy," yet he expressed hopes for her success.
Vonn’s presence at the World Cup not only highlights her competitive spirit but also resonates with fans who admire her resilience on and off the slopes. The skiing world will surely be watching this next chapter of her story with bated breath as she prepares to reclaim her place among the elite athletes of alpine skiing.
Looking forward, Vonn has shared her aspiration to perform her best and take advantage of this opportunity. Many hope to see her not just as a competitor but as someone who can inspire future generations of skiers, making her comeback one of the most watched events of the upcoming skiing season. The stage is set for her to reclaim her legacy as one of ski racing’s greatest athletes, and everyone is eager to witness her performance on the slopes of St. Moritz.
