Lindsey Vonn is set to return to the World Cup ski racing circuit for the first time since 2019, marking her comeback at the age of 40. Vonn announced on social media her intentions to compete next weekend during the speed events at St. Moritz, Switzerland, where she has previously found success, claiming five of her 82 World Cup victories.
The excitement surrounding Vonn’s return is palpable as she gears up for the Super-G races scheduled for December 21 and 22. “I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year,” she said gleefully, expressing her enthusiasm for the iconic ski destination.
After having to retire nearly six years ago due to the toll of injuries, Vonn underwent knee-replacement surgery earlier this year. This surgery has reportedly left her feeling “pain-free” for the first time in years, giving her the motivation to make this remarkable comeback.
On December 16, she participated as a forerunner at the Beaver Creek World Cup, helping to set the stage for other racers. Although she did not compete this past weekend, her forerunner duties allowed her to gain valuable experience on the slopes. Vonn said, “Life is short. You gotta live every day to the maximum.”
Vonn’s ambition isn't just to return; she intends to reclaim her competitive edge. While acknowledging the challenges, she’s been open about her goals for coming back to ski racing. “Success is not just participating,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of performance and results over mere presence.
With all she aims to achieve, the influence of other athletes has played a role during Vonn’s recovery and return. She cited U.S. Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles as someone who inspires her, showcasing what can be achieved at what is typically considered an advanced age for athletes. “It’s outside the confines of what we believe is the right age for the sport,” Vonn noted, highlighting both the societal pressures on women athletes to retire early and the successful adjustments others have made to their sport at later stages.
Vonn is aware of the hurdles and places like St. Moritz hold special significance for her. She raced there first at 16 and has built her name with ten podium finishes at the venue over her career. The upcoming Super-G events offer her the chance to start where it all began, allowing her to reacquaint herself with the course she knows well. “I love it,” she said of St. Moritz.
Despite the years away from the spotlight, Vonn is taking her return seriously. After finishing 19th and 24th respectively during the recent lower-level races at Copper Mountain, she recognizes the need for more work to reclaim her former standing—work she is excited to undertake. “I have some things I need to fix,” Vonn admitted but remains optimistic. “My knee has held up amazing so far—I have no pain, no swelling. It’s been incredible.”
Throughout her career, Vonn established herself as one of the most decorated skiers, achieving numerous accolades including four overall World Cup titles and three Olympic medals. Her return to the circuit not only serves as motivation for her but as an inspiration to those following her story—a narrative intertwining resilience, perseverance, and the quest for excellence.
Overall, Vonn’s anticipated return on the slopes of St. Moritz promises to be more than just another race; it’s the beginning of what many hope will be another chapter of success for the skiing icon. With the next Winter Olympics set for 2026, eyes are on her as she looks to mold her comeback story, setting the tone for future generations of female athletes facing similar challenges of age versus performance.
