After a remarkable comeback to the World Cup circuit, ski legend Lindsey Vonn is gearing up for her first downhill race in six years. The 40-year-old athlete, known for her incredible achievements on the slopes, recently completed a training run in St. Anton, Austria, where she placed 10th fastest among the competitors.
Vonn, who made her return to competitive skiing with a titanium knee, tackled the challenging Karl Schranz course, finishing 2.55 seconds behind Federica Brignone of Italy. Despite the time difference, Vonn showcased her speed, reaching close to 109 kph (68 mph) on a particularly fast section of the hill where she had previously triumphed in 2007.
With another practice session scheduled for Friday, Vonn is diligently preparing for the upcoming downhill race on Saturday. Throughout her illustrious career, Vonn has secured an impressive 43 World Cup downhill victories, a record that spans both men's and women's competitions.
Following her retirement in 2019, Vonn surprised fans with her return to the sport, aiming to excel once again in her favored discipline of downhill skiing. Her recent performance in the super-G event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where she finished 14th, marked a solid step towards her comeback.
Looking ahead, Vonn is set to compete in the super-G event in St. Anton on Sunday, with further races planned in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and the world championships in Saalbach, Austria. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike as she pursues further success on the slopes.
For more updates on alpine skiing and Lindsey Vonn's journey, stay tuned to the latest news from the AP skiing coverage.