In a turn of events that has shocked the ski racing world, three-time Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn has come out of retirement to not only compete again – but to defy all expectations. This past weekend in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, a place that holds immense significance in her storied career, the 40-year-old alpine skiing icon took to the slopes for the first time in six years. The result? Impressive sixth and fourth place finishes in the downhill and super-G races respectively.
But perhaps even more astonishing than Vonn’s ability to be immediately competitive after such a long hiatus is the revelation of what may have inspired this remarkable comeback. According to Vonn herself, her sights are firmly set on an even loftier goal than a return to the World Cup ski racing circuit – the 2026 Winter Olympics in, you guessed it, Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Back Where It All Began
For Vonn, Cortina holds a special place in her heart. It was here, 21 years ago at the age of 19, that she earned her first World Cup podium and began to believe in her ability to dominate the sport. Over the next 15 years, Vonn would go on to notch an incredible 12 wins in Cortina – more than any other ski racer in history. Now, in her first races back on these hallowed slopes, Vonn seems to be channeling that same magic that launched her unparalleled career.
“In Cortina, it’s when everything clicked,” Vonn reminisced. “Before that, my skiing had been mediocre at best. Then I just figured it out. I figured out the hill. I figured out how to prepare.”
But Vonn is quick to point out that, this time around, she’s approaching things a bit differently. No longer burdened by the weight of expectations, the winningest female ski racer of all time says she feels “lighter” and “freer” than ever before.
“I don’t feel the weight of expectation. I feel very light,” explained Vonn. “I’m 40. I’ve been retired for six years. I’ve experienced a lot. I think that gives me a lot of power and wisdom and a completely different perspective than anyone else on the World Cup.”
A Risky Procedure, A Second Chance
Of course, none of this would be possible without the cutting-edge medical procedure Vonn underwent in April 2024 – a partial knee replacement on her right leg. After years of debilitating pain from various surgeries and injuries, Vonn made the difficult decision to go under the knife one more time in a bid to regain a quality of life she had been missing. The risk paid off.
“Now I have two good legs. I have a second chance,” beamed Vonn. “You don’t really know what you have until it’s gone. I missed ski racing. And not just the racing, but my team and the atmosphere and my competitors and friends and coaches. I don’t take any of that for granted.”
Armed with a rebuilt knee and a newfound appreciation for her sport, Vonn says she now feels “better physically than [she has] in more than a decade” and is, in her estimation, “a better ski racer than [she] was when [she] retired in 2019.” A scary thought for her competitors, no doubt.
Dreaming Bigger
While many assumed this weekend’s races in Cortina were simply a way for Vonn to get her feet wet in competition again, it now appears she has loftier ambitions – namely, the 2026 Winter Olympics set to take place on the very same slopes next February. For an athlete who spent her career redefining what’s possible, it seems only fitting that Vonn would eye a fourth Olympic appearance at the age of 41.
“I think this allows people to dream bigger,” Vonn declared. “Especially women. We’re put in a box that we need to be doing ‘this’ by a certain time. And that’s not true. We are capable of so much more.”
As for what it will take to make that dream a reality? Vonn knows she still has work to do to get back to the top of the podium. But if her first races back are any indication, counting her out would be a grave mistake.
“I’m doing this for myself,” said Vonn. “I love the fact that I’m out here and I know what I’m capable of.”
One thing is for certain – the ski racing world will be watching intently to see just what the legendary Lindsey Vonn is capable of in this final, improbable chapter of her unrivaled career. If history is any guide, we may be in for something truly special.
