In a move that has thrilled the world of alpine skiing, Lindsey Vonn, the legendary skier and the most decorated female in the sport, has announced her return to competitive skiing at the age of 40. This decision comes nearly six years after her initial retirement, which was largely due to injuries that hampered her ability to compete at the highest level.
The turning point for Vonn came following a successful knee replacement surgery earlier this year. The procedure has allowed her to ski without pain for the first time in years, sparking her decision to take another shot at the sport she loves. “I couldn’t stop smiling under my helmet,” Vonn said, recalling her first post-surgery ski. “It felt like a dream come true, and this wasn’t something I ever planned for.”
Vonn is preparing to rejoin the U.S. Ski Team and take part in this winter’s World Cup circuit. While the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy remain a potential goal, she’s staying focused on one step at a time. “I’m not looking too far ahead,” she shared. “There are a lot of hurdles to overcome first, but I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t have big aspirations.”
Her remarkable career includes three Olympic medals—gold and bronze from the 2010 Vancouver Games and a bronze from the 2018 Pyeongchang Games—along with four overall World Cup titles. With 82 World Cup wins, she held the record for the most victories by a woman until Mikaela Shiffrin broke it earlier this year.
Reflecting on her 2019 retirement, Vonn admitted that her body had reached its limit. “I was broken beyond repair,” she once stated. However, her recent surgery and recovery have given her a new perspective, making this comeback a reality.
The U.S. Ski & Snowboard team has embraced Vonn’s decision to return, with CEO Sophie Goldschmidt expressing excitement about her comeback. “Lindsey’s passion and commitment to skiing are unparalleled, and we’re eager to see what she achieves in this next chapter,” Goldschmidt said.
As Vonn prepares for her return to the slopes, fans and athletes alike are eager to witness her legendary skill and resilience in action once more. With her experience and determination, her return promises to bring fresh excitement to the world of competitive skiing.
