Lindsey Vonn is set to compete in the women’s super-G and downhill races at the 2025 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships, from February 6 to 14 in Saalbach, Austria. (Giovanni Maria Pizzato/The Associated Press)
Lindsey Vonn is back on the slopes at 40, proving that passion and determination have no expiration date. Unlike male athletes like Tom Brady or Lewis Hamilton, who continued competing into their forties without criticism, Vonn has faced skepticism, particularly in Europe. Many questioned her decision to return after a five-year break, with some even making disrespectful remarks about her mental state.
Before Vonn’s comeback in December, Austrian Olympic champion Michaela Dorfmeister suggested she should seek psychological help, while skiing legends Franz Klammer and Pirmin Zurbriggen dismissed her return as reckless. Despite the harsh words, Vonn remained focused on her goal, believing the doubts about her knee were valid but finding the personal attacks unwarranted.
Proving her doubters wrong, Vonn has already shown she can still compete, finishing sixth and fourth in downhill and super-G races in Austria. While she’s had minor falls, she’s steadily regaining her rhythm ahead of the world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm from Feb. 4-16.
Back in the U.S., her comeback has been met with widespread support. Many women have been inspired by her decision to continue chasing her dreams, proving that age should never be a barrier. "We don't have to follow a set timeline," Vonn said. "We can still be ambitious, even at 40."
Unlike her younger rivals, who face constant pressure from teams and expectations, Vonn sees her return differently. She’s competing purely for the love of the sport. "I have a free mind. I’m here because I enjoy it," she said.
Vonn also hopes to team up with Mikaela Shiffrin for the new team combined event on Feb. 11, where one skier races downhill and the other in slalom. With 181 World Cup victories between them, the duo could make history. "It would be one of the coolest things in ski racing," Vonn said.
Canada’s Rising Stars Ready for World Championships
While Vonn’s return has stolen headlines, Canada’s ski team is gearing up to make its mark in Austria. A mix of young talent and experienced athletes, including Britt Richardson, Cassidy Gray, and Val Grenier, are set to represent the country on the world stage.
Richardson, 21, confidently enters her second world championships after a career-best seventh-place finish in a recent World Cup giant slalom event. "I know I can compete with the best," she said.
Grenier, 28, has battled injuries but remains a leader for the Canadian team. Competing in her sixth world championship, she embraces her role as a veteran. "Not long ago, I was the youngest. Now I’m a mentor," she said.
Gray, 24, returns after missing last year’s championship, eager to build on Canada’s recent success. "We’re here to put on a show and inspire people," she said.
