Lindsey Vonn Set to Race Again
14th November 2024
Three-time Olympic skiing medalist Lindsey Vonn is returning to the sport more than five years after she retired. She is 40 years old. NEW
The US skier retired in 2019 and has announced her plans for a comeback.
“Vonn’s decision to try and return to ski racing comes after careful consideration following successful knee surgery earlier this year,” said a statement from US Ski & Snowboard.
“She has been able to get back to training and test her knee over the past couple of months and will be continuing her progression with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in Colorado and beyond, representing a new exciting chapter in her already storied career.”
Lindsey Vonn. Credit: Stifel U.S. Ski Team
“Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organisation throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt.
“Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”
In an interview with the BBC in July, she admitted retirement was “harder than I expected it to be” and “nothing can fill the hole of ski racing”.
She follows another ski legend, Marcel Hirscher, who has made a comeback to racing this season.
He is 35 years old and is now racing for Holland rather than Austria.
He did well in the first GS race of the season in Solden last month and finished in 23rd place.
Perhaps more relevant than his overall finishing position was that he was third fastest on the second run.
He has two Olympic golds, seven world titles, and 67 World Cup race wins is back five years after retiring.
Whether Vonn receives a wild card to enter the FIS World Cup races or even makes it to the US team remains to be seen.
“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” said Vonn who may look to target a place on the US team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
“I am looking forward to being back with the team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”
Whatever happens, her legacy and achievements are not in doubt.
She made her World Cup debut aged 16 in 2000.
She went on to win 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes) and eight World Championship medals, with 137 World Cup podiums and 82 World Cup victories.
Welcome back to the Stifel U.S. Ski Team @lindseyvonn 🇺🇸⭐️#stifelusskiteam pic.twitter.com/ETUYVRslpr
— U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team (@usskiteam) November 14, 2024
