Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest American skiers in history, has announced her return to competitive skiing, marking a surprising comeback to the U.S. Ski Team. Vonn, who retired in 2019, last competed in the Olympics at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang. Her decision to return comes nearly five years after she stepped away from the sport, citing physical challenges and a desire to preserve her long-term health. The news has reignited excitement within the skiing community and among her fans worldwide.
Vonn’s illustrious career includes numerous accolades that cement her legacy in alpine skiing. She is a three-time Olympic medalist, including gold, and her 82 World Cup victories made her the most successful female skier until Mikaela Shiffrin broke that record in 2023. Vonn competed in four Olympic Games between 2002 and 2018, though she missed the 2014 Sochi Games due to an injury. Her return at the age of 40 is notable, given her decorated past and the physical demands of the sport.
When Vonn retired in 2019, she cited a long history of injuries as a primary reason, expressing concerns about her ability to remain active as she aged. Her final competitive race earned her a bronze medal at the World Championships, making her the oldest woman to medal at such an event. Earlier this year, Vonn underwent surgery for a partial knee replacement, a significant step in her journey back to skiing pain-free. This recovery appears to have reinvigorated her passion for the sport.
Now officially back with Team USA, Vonn expressed her enthusiasm for sharing her expertise and experiences with her fellow athletes. She described the joy of skiing without pain as a transformative experience and seems motivated to contribute both as a competitor and a mentor to the next generation of skiers. Vonn’s return not only highlights her resilience but also her enduring dedication to alpine skiing.
It remains unclear what events Vonn will compete in, though her return sparks speculation about her potential participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Regardless of her competitive ambitions, her comeback symbolizes an inspiring chapter in her storied career and is likely to draw significant attention to the sport.
