Lindsey Vonn is planning a comeback in the Alpine Ski World Cup, five years after her retirement. The US Ski Association has confirmed her return to the team.
Lindsey Vonn, the legendary ski racer, has officially declared her intention to return to the Alpine Ski World Cup. The American Ski Association announced on Thursday that the 40-year-old is once again part of the US ski team. This comes five years after her retirement and following a knee operation in April that enabled her to ski without pain.
"Skiing again without pain has been an incredible experience," Vonn said in a statement released by the ski federation. Although she has not announced any specific plans for a racing comeback, the four-time overall World Cup winner is already training on skis again.
In an interview with the New York Times, Vonn expressed confidence but caution: "I'm trying not to take on too much because I still have some hurdles to overcome," she explained. "Of course I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't hoping to race. I have ambitions. I love to be fast." Her goal, she said, is to enjoy the process and possibly return to World Cup racing. "I wouldn't be back on the US ski team if I had no intentions."
The possibility of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo remains open. Vonn said: "I've always enjoyed racing in Cortina and I've been very successful there. I don't know what the next few months and the next year and a half have in store for me. So at the moment I can't say if it's a possibility." However, she emphasized her affection for Cortina.
The World Cup calendar sees the women travel to Beaver Creek in the USA for speed races in December. Vonn could at least appear there as a forerunner, which would further solidify her return to the international stage.
SDA
