After nearly six years, Lindsey Vonn, the three-time Olympic medalist and former World Cup record holder, is set to return to official ski racing at the age of 40. Vonn, who announced her retirement last month, will compete in lower-level FIS downhill and super-G races this weekend in Copper Mountain, Colorado.
Vonn's decision to come out of retirement is driven by the need to improve her ranking to qualify for World Cup races under a new wild card rule. Despite a history of injuries, including broken bones, torn ligaments, and concussions, Vonn has been training diligently and showing promising results during her preparation at Copper Mountain.
While Vonn's last competition was in 2019, her determination and motivation to return to competitive skiing have been evident. U.S. Ski Team head coach expressed optimism about Vonn's potential competitiveness, acknowledging her remarkable career achievements and the challenges of returning to full race intensity after a long hiatus.
Notable athletes like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and Phil Mickelson have excelled in their respective sports well beyond the age of 40, setting a precedent for Vonn's potential success in her comeback. The skiing world eagerly anticipates Vonn's performance at Copper Mountain and her journey back to the top of the sport.
As Vonn prepares for her return, the skiing community also awaits the comeback of Breezy Johnson, who is set to race in Beaver Creek after serving a 14-month ban for anti-doping violations. Additionally, the U.S. team is supporting Mikaela Shiffrin's recovery from a recent crash, as she recuperates from injuries sustained during a giant slalom race in Killington.
With promising young talents emerging in the skiing world and seasoned veterans making comebacks, the upcoming races in Copper Mountain and Beaver Creek promise to showcase the resilience and determination of athletes in the face of challenges and setbacks.
