Lindsey Vonn, the iconic U.S. skier, is making an unexpected return to competitive skiing after a five-year hiatus.
Her comeback comes after she retired in 2019 due to ongoing knee issues that had plagued her career.
But now, at 40, Vonn is eyeing a potential return to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, setting the stage for an incredible second act.
Finding Inspiration from Legends
Vonn’s motivation for returning isn’t just about reclaiming her place in the sport; it’s about proving that age is no barrier to greatness.
She draws inspiration from sports legends like LeBron James, who continues to dominate in his 40s.
Vonn also recalls a conversation with tennis great Roger Federer, who shared his mindset after retiring: “I squeezed every drop out of the lemon that I had.”
Vonn feels she still has “more juice in her lemon,” signaling that her story is far from over.
A Pain-Free Return to Skiing
After announcing her retirement due to repeated knee surgeries, Vonn faced years of physical limitations.
She struggled to straighten her right leg for almost a decade.
Despite initially stating she had “no intention” of returning, Vonn’s journey took a new turn.
Seven months after undergoing knee replacement surgery, she’s pain-free and has rejoined the U.S. Ski Team.
Vonn is even preparing to compete in the World Cup circuit again, possibly as early as next month.
The Goal: Enjoyment, Not Pressure
Vonn, always known for her fierce competitive spirit, now approaches skiing with a new mindset.
“My goal is to enjoy this,” she shared in a recent interview, “and hopefully that road takes me to World Cup races.”
She is clear that she wouldn’t return to the U.S. Ski Team without serious intentions.
While she’s not putting pressure on herself, she remains determined to test her limits.
Could the 2026 Olympics Be in Her Future?
Though Vonn is still evaluating her future, she hasn’t ruled out competing in a fifth Winter Olympics in 2026, to be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a venue where she has enjoyed past success.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing in Cortina and had a lot of success there,” she said.
While she can’t predict what the next year holds, her love for the sport and the venue is clear, and she leaves the door open for a potential return to Olympic glory.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Legacy
Vonn’s return isn’t just about skiing—it’s about honoring her legacy and her late mother, Linda Krohn, who passed away from ALS in 2022.
Vonn reflects on her mother’s influence, sharing, “I feel I have a responsibility to myself and to her to live every day to my maximum potential.”
It’s a sense of duty and passion that drives her to step back into the snow, no longer chasing validation, but instead seeking fulfillment in the sport she loves.
A Historic Career with No Regrets
Vonn’s impact on the sport is undeniable.
She first made the national team over two decades ago and remains the only American woman to win Olympic downhill gold.
With a career already filled with historic accomplishments, her return to skiing is more about personal satisfaction than proving anything to the world.
As she puts it, “It’s just me and the mountain, like it was in the beginning.” Whatever the future holds, it’s clear that Lindsey Vonn isn’t finished yet.
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