Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medalist, has made a noteworthy return to ski racing at the age of 40. After stepping away from the slopes in 2019 due to injuries, Vonn recently participated in a lower-level super-G race at Copper Mountain, Colorado, finishing in 24th place. This event was part of her ongoing efforts to refine her equipment and technique and marked her first competitive appearance in nearly six years.
Vonn completed the super-G event 2.19 seconds behind her fellow American, Lauren Macuga, who secured first place with a time of 1 minute, 11.90 seconds. The race saw participation from thirty-one competitors on a chilly morning, underscoring the challenging conditions faced by the athletes. Despite finishing in the middle of the pack, Vonn’s performance is significant as it signals her reentry into competitive skiing, a sport where she once dominated.
Prior to this race, Vonn participated in two downhill events, achieving mid-pack finishes. These races were particularly significant given the competitive field, filled with experienced racers from the ski circuit. After the events, Vonn mentioned on social media that her performance earned her enough points to potentially qualify for a World Cup competition, showcasing her determination to compete at the highest level once again.
Looking ahead, the women’s World Cup tour is slated to visit Beaver Creek soon for additional downhill and super-G competitions. Vonn has yet to reveal when she plans to join a World Cup race, leaving fans eager to see her return to top-tier racing.
Vonn’s previous major competition was the 2019 World Championships in Sweden, where she finished third in the downhill event. Her retirement was prompted by various injuries, particularly to her knee, which have since been addressed with a partial knee replacement last April. This medical intervention has enabled her to consider a comeback.
During her illustrious career, Vonn achieved 82 World Cup victories, a record for women at the time. She was closing in on the all-time record of 86 wins held by Sweden’s Ingemar Stenmark. Notably, her women’s record has been surpassed by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now holds 99 wins, the most in Alpine skiing history. Shiffrin is currently recovering from injuries sustained in a crash but is making strides towards recovery, as seen in her recent social media updates.
Shiffrin’s absence from the upcoming Beaver Creek races highlights the competitive landscape in women’s ski racing, where seasoned veterans like Vonn attempt comebacks while newer athletes aim to make their mark.
Lindsey Vonn’s return to skiing is a testament to her resilience and passion for the sport. Her presence on the slopes once again injects excitement into the world of ski racing, as fans and fellow racers anticipate her potential participation in future World Cup events. Vonn’s journey from retirement back to competition reflects her enduring dedication to skiing, inspiring many in the sport.
