Lindsey Vonn is preparing for a return to the World Cup starting gate this weekend in St. Moritz for super-G races, almost six years since her last competition. At the age of 40 and with a new titanium knee, the renowned skier is facing skepticism from fellow athletes and commentators about her decision.
Vonn’s return to competitive skiing is anything but impulsive. Her choice to come back has been carefully planned, following numerous knee surgeries and extensive testing in New Zealand, Austria, and Colorado. Her comeback is not just an attempt to defy age but a calculated decision after assessing all medical concerns associated with her age and condition.
‘I’ve been thinking about getting a replacement for several years,’ Vonn remarked, highlighting that her decision was informed by thorough research and consultations with medical professionals, including orthopedic surgeon Tom Hackett at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. Vonn also drew confidence from Chris Davenport, an extreme skier with a partial knee replacement, who continues to ski extensively each year.
Vonn’s medical journey included a preliminary surgery in July 2023 to delay the need for a complete knee replacement. In April, Martin Roche conducted a robotic-assisted surgery to replace parts of her knee with titanium components. ‘Once you commit to something you got to commit,’ she stated, emphasizing the necessity of her decision and her readiness to compete again.
However, Vonn has met with criticism from several legendary skiers, including Michaela Dorfmeister and Franz Klammer. They expressed doubts about her mental state and the potential risks to her health. Pirmin Zurbriggen, another skiing icon, cautioned about the dangers of Vonn potentially damaging her artificial knee beyond repair.
In response to these criticisms, Vonn has defended her position, stressing her preparations and the expertise of her medical team. She also took to social media to counter negative predictions, questioning the authority of her critics to make such judgments.
Vonn aligns herself with other athletes who have defied age norms, such as gymnast Simone Biles, who continues to excel in her sport. She pointed to Johan Clarey’s performance at 42, as an example of how age doesn’t strictly dictate athletic capability. ‘I’m not the first person to do it; I’m just maybe the first woman to do it in ski racing,’ Vonn asserted, reinforcing her belief that she can succeed in her ambitions.
As Lindsey Vonn prepares to compete once more, she remains resolute against criticisms and confident in her meticulous preparation. Her journey highlights the evolving possibilities for athletes challenging age and physical limitations. Vonn’s return to ski racing not only tests her personal limits but also pushes the boundaries of what is considered possible in competitive sports.
Source: News4jax
