Lindsey Vonn, at the age of 40, made a remarkable return to World Cup downhill skiing, marking her first such race in six years. In a training run on Thursday, Vonn finished 10th, clocking in 2.55 seconds behind Italy’s Federica Brignone on the 2-kilometer Karl Schranz course. The course is one where Vonn has had past success, including a downhill win in December 2007. Despite the passage of time and a titanium knee, Vonn reached speeds close to 68 mph on a particularly fast section of the course.
This race marks a significant milestone in Vonn’s comeback journey. Just three weeks ago, she made her return to the World Cup circuit in a super-G event, where she placed 14th. That race was a cautious one, as she carefully navigated the course, mindful of her physical limitations. However, her performance in the training run on Thursday demonstrated that she is steadily building toward regaining her competitive edge in downhill skiing, her signature event.
Vonn’s legacy in the sport is legendary. She holds the record for the most World Cup downhill victories, with an impressive 43 wins. This record stands for both men and women, showcasing her dominance in the discipline. Over the course of her illustrious career, Vonn accumulated 82 World Cup wins, ranking her third on the all-time list behind only Mikaela Shiffrin, who currently has 99 wins, and Ingemar Stenmark, who holds the record with 86 victories from the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to her World Cup triumphs, Vonn was also crowned Olympic downhill champion at the 2010 Vancouver Games, further cementing her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Vonn’s retirement in February 2019 came after the World Championships in Sweden, marking the end of an era in alpine skiing. Her surprise return to the World Cup circuit has been met with much excitement, and it seems she is determined to make a strong comeback. The 40-year-old skier has expressed her intention to compete in the upcoming World Cup events, including a race at Cortina d’Ampezzo next week, a venue that holds significant meaning for her. Cortina d’Ampezzo is not only the site of many of her past victories but is also the women’s course for the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Vonn has won six World Cup downhills and six super-Gs.
Vonn’s comeback is not just about racing but also about qualifying for the World Championships next month in Saalbach, Austria. She has made it clear that she intends to compete in the world championships, a goal that further fuels her determination to push through the physical challenges posed by her previous injuries. Despite the setbacks, including the titanium knee, Vonn’s resilience and drive continue to be a defining feature of her career.
As Vonn continues her comeback, her story is one of perseverance and passion for the sport of alpine skiing. Her return to the World Cup circuit is a testament to her love for the sport and her desire to challenge herself at the highest level, even after a lengthy hiatus. With each race, she proves that age is just a number, and her remarkable career is far from over.
