In a surprising turn of events, Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated alpine skiers in history, has announced her return to competitive skiing at the age of 40. This decision comes nearly six years after her initial retirement in 2019, a move prompted by a series of injuries that left her feeling “broken beyond repair.” However, following a successful partial knee replacement surgery in April 2024, Vonn has experienced a resurgence, skiing without pain for the first time in years.
Vonn’s comeback was officially announced by U.S. Ski & Snowboard on November 14, 2024. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey. I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”
Her return has been met with excitement from teammates and officials alike. Bella Wright, a current member of the U.S. Ski Team, remarked, “I never got the opportunity to be Lindsey’s teammate in the past, so the opportunity to ski alongside her is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see what the U.S. women can do this season.”
Despite the enth
siasm surrounding her return, Vonn has faced criticism regarding her age and performance. Since her comeback, she has yet to secure a podium finish, with her best result being a fourth-place finish in the super-G at St. Anton, Austria, in January 2025. At the recent World Championships in Saalbach, she did not contend for a medal. Addressing the criticism, Vonn stated, “I’m not going to lie, these past few weeks have been tough. I love skiing and that’s the only reason I came back to this sport… but there have been so many negative voices.” She added, “But don’t worry, I’m not going to give up. I believe in myself and I know with … .
Vonn’s illustrious career includes three Olympic medals, 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes), eight World Championship medals, 137 World Cup podiums, and 82 World Cup victories. Her return not only adds depth to the current U.S. Ski Team but also provides invaluable experience and mentorship to rising stars within the team.
As the 2024-25 season progresses, all eyes will be on Vonn to see how she navigates her comeback amidst the challenges and expectations. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire many in the skiing community and beyond.
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