At the age of 40, Lindsey Vonn has made a remarkable comeback to ski racing, defying skeptics who questioned her decision to return to the sport. While athletes like Tom Brady and Lewis Hamilton have continued to excel in their respective sports well into their 40s, Vonn faced criticism and doubt in Europe for her decision to compete again.
Vonn's return is fueled by her love for skiing and a newfound sense of physical well-being after undergoing surgery to replace part of her right knee with titanium. She expressed feeling better than she has in years and believes she is technically skiing better now than when she retired.
Despite facing backlash from some former champions who questioned her motives, Vonn has already shown her competitive spirit with strong finishes in recent races. She finished sixth and fourth in downhill and super-G events in St. Anton, Austria, proving that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Joining Vonn in her comeback is fellow American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who has also returned to the circuit after a brief hiatus due to injury. The two women, with a combined total of 181 World Cup victories, are set to bring star power to the upcoming world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria.
Both Vonn and Shiffrin are gearing up for individual events, with Vonn scheduled to compete in super-G and downhill races, while Shiffrin will focus on giant slalom and slalom events. There is also the possibility of the two joining forces in the team combined event, showcasing their dominance in downhill and slalom disciplines.
As Vonn and Shiffrin prepare to take on the world's best skiers, their presence adds excitement and anticipation to the championships. With a legacy of success behind them and a shared determination to push boundaries, Vonn and Shiffrin are poised to make a lasting impact on the sport of alpine skiing.
For more skiing news and updates, visit AP skiing.
