Lindsey Vonn Announces Unexpected Comeback to U.S. Ski Team at Age 40

Posted : 15 November 2024

At 40 years old and five years into retirement, Lindsey Vonn, one of the most celebrated figures in winter sports history, has announced her intention to make a surprising return to competitive skiing. Vonn, who earned three Olympic medals and became a four-time world champion, is planning to rejoin the U.S. ski team with hopes of competing this season. The ski legend had initially stepped away from the sport in 2019 after a series of severe injuries took a toll on her body throughout her 18-year career. Now, she looks forward to the challenge, stating that her comeback is driven by a desire to enjoy the sport again and possibly compete in World Cup races.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Vonn shared that her return was unexpected even to herself. Initially, she had no intention of coming back after her retirement. However, a partial knee replacement surgery in April changed her perspective, as the procedure alleviated the chronic pain that had plagued her during her career. With her pain subsiding, Vonn felt motivated to test her limits once again, reigniting her competitive spirit and ambitions to perform at an elite level.

During her illustrious career, Vonn became a trailblazer in skiing, amassing an all-time record of 82 World Cup victories—a record later surpassed by Mikaela Shiffrin. Her achievements also include three Olympic medals, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and seven medals at the World Championships. Despite her dominance on the slopes, persistent injuries, especially severe knee problems requiring multiple surgeries, forced her to retire. At the time, Vonn acknowledged that while her mind was still eager to compete, her body could no longer withstand the physical demands of the sport.

In recent months, Vonn has been spotted coaching and training at various locations, such as New Zealand and Austria, fueling speculation about her return. These appearances hinted at her growing involvement with the sport, culminating in her decision to rejoin the U.S. ski team officially. Her comeback marks a new chapter in her storied career, with fans and the ski world eagerly awaiting her performance on the slopes once more.

Lindsey Vonn Announces Unexpected Comeback to U.S. Ski Team at Age 40

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