Five years after her retirement from ski racing due to chronic knee pain, Lindsey Vonn is making a comeback. Vonn, a three-time Winter Olympic medalist and winner of 82 World Cup races, underwent knee replacement surgery seven months ago and has since resumed skiing without pain.
In a surprising turn of events, Vonn, now 40, will rejoin the United States ski team, aiming to compete on the World Cup circuit this winter. She has already completed 15 days of on-snow training in Europe and New Zealand and will participate in training sessions at Copper Mountain, Colorado, focusing on super-G and downhill disciplines.
Vonn's return aligns with a trend of professional athletes extending their careers into their 40s, similar to figures like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and Tiger Woods. While Vonn is optimistic about her racing aspirations, she acknowledges the challenges ahead and emphasizes her desire to enjoy the process rather than feel pressured to succeed.
Looking ahead, Vonn has not ruled out the possibility of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where she has previously enjoyed significant success. However, she stresses the importance of consistent racing progress before making any commitments.
Vonn clarified her motivations for returning to the sport, stating that she is not trying to prove anything to anyone. She expressed gratitude for her career and a desire to live each day to its fullest, inspired by her late mother, who faced significant challenges throughout her life.
In preparation for her return, Vonn is focusing on reacquainting herself with the physical demands of downhill racing. She has already completed some training runs but acknowledges the need for further preparation before fully committing to competition.
Vonn's comeback comes at a time when the U.S. ski team has evolved, with Mikaela Shiffrin now leading the women’s program. Vonn expressed excitement about rejoining the team and supporting her fellow athletes.
Despite the average age of World Cup racers being 26, Vonn remains undeterred by the challenges of competing at her age. She draws inspiration from other athletes who continue to perform at high levels, emphasizing her willingness to take risks in pursuit of her passion for skiing.
Reflecting on her career, Vonn shared insights from a conversation with Roger Federer about knowing when to step away from the sport. She feels that, despite her past accomplishments, she still has more to give and is eager to embrace this new chapter in her skiing journey.