Lindsey Vonn, a trailblazing skier from the United States, was spotted on the slopes in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. She took an early run down the course ahead of the women’s World Cup downhill race. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated alpine ski champion, is set to make a remarkable return to World Cup ski racing next weekend in St. Moritz, Switzerland. At 40, Vonn is gearing up for two super-G events, determined to prove she's still a fierce competitor, not just a participant.
During a press conference, Vonn shared her ambitious mindset, emphasizing her desire to reclaim a spot on the podium. “I’m not just here to participate,” she declared. “Getting back to a competitive level might take a race or two, but I fully intend to return to where I was before.” Her last major podium finish was in February 2019, when she claimed third in the downhill at the World Championships in Sweden.
Vonn's announcement was teased on Instagram earlier through her sponsor, Red Bull, where she revealed that her body feels restored after a series of injuries. “My body is finally put back together. I hear St. Moritz is beautiful this time of year,” she wrote, alluding to her comeback.
The veteran skier’s resilience is well-known. Over her storied career, Vonn amassed 82 World Cup wins, the most by any woman until Mikaela Shiffrin broke the record in 2023. Injuries, including serious knee damage, forced her into retirement in 2019. However, after undergoing a partial knee replacement in April, Vonn now feels physically ready to return. “I know what I’m capable of if my body cooperates,” she said, expressing gratitude for the titanium implant in her knee.
Vonn’s return has drawn admiration from her peers. Picabo Street, a former Olympic medalist and Vonn’s ex-teammate, praised her dedication. “She’s the hardest-working person I’ve ever met,” Street said. Another admirer, Czech ski racer Ester Ledecka, voiced excitement about Vonn’s return, saying, “It’s amazing to see her back. She deserves to finish her career on her own terms.”
St. Moritz holds a special place in Vonn’s career, having secured five of her 82 victories there. The two upcoming races next Saturday and Sunday mark an exciting chapter in her journey back to competitive skiing. Recently, Vonn competed in lower-level events in Colorado to qualify for the World Cup and has been testing her skills on training runs at Beaver Creek.
Vonn's comeback is not just about nostalgia but a testament to her enduring determination. Her sights are set on regaining her form, and fans are eager to see her perform once again. As Vonn reclaims her place on the slopes, the skiing world watches, inspired by her unwavering belief in herself.
