
Lindsey Vonn, the legendary American skier, has stunned both herself and her fans with the remarkable success of her comeback after a nearly six-year hiatus from competitive racing. After retiring in 2019 due to ongoing knee injuries, Vonn has defied expectations, returning to the slopes and achieving impressive results. The 40-year-old skier, who has an illustrious career with Olympic golds, World Championship victories, and 82 World Cup wins, has shown that age and past injuries are no obstacles for someone with her determination and passion for skiing.
Her return to the sport has been a remarkable journey, and Vonn herself admits she has exceeded her own expectations with the performances she has delivered since her comeback. Her decision to return to racing, after a titanium knee replacement, was not without its challenges. However, Vonn’s determination and the successful surgery have allowed her to ski pain-free once again, and she is embracing this “second chance” to compete at the highest level.
Lindsey Vonn’s Remarkable Return to Ski Racing
Vonn made a stunning return to World Cup skiing in December 2024, finishing 14th in her first race back. Her performances improved significantly in the subsequent races, with a fourth-place finish and a sixth-place finish in super-G and downhill races at St Anton in Austria. These results have exceeded her expectations, and in an interview with BBC’s Ski Sunday, Vonn shared her thoughts on her unexpected comeback.
“I didn’t expect anything that has happened this year,” Vonn stated. “Even when I said I was going to race again, I didn’t expect to race in St Anton. It’s such a challenging hill, and I thought there would be no way I would be ready. But I’ve definitely far exceeded my expectations by a long shot.”
Vonn’s return to the sport is not just about competing; it’s also about proving to herself and others that she has the resilience and drive to return to a level of competition that many thought was beyond her. The success has been nothing short of remarkable, and it has allowed her to rediscover the joy and thrill of skiing at the highest level once again.
Vonn’s Road to Comeback: Overcoming Injury and Pain

Lindsey Vonn’s decision to retire in 2019 was largely driven by the extensive injuries she had sustained over the years, particularly the issues with her knees. After a decorated career that included Olympic golds, multiple World Championship titles, and 82 World Cup victories, Vonn’s body had taken a toll. Knee problems forced her to step away from the sport she loved, but her passion for skiing never waned.
After retiring, Vonn focused on her foundation, her business ventures, and exploring other activities such as wakeboarding, flyboarding, and even tennis. However, the pain from her knee continued, leading her to seek a solution. In 2021, Vonn decided to undergo a knee replacement procedure, opting for a titanium knee. The surgery was a success, and after rehabilitation, Vonn was once again able to ski pain-free.
Her return to skiing was driven by a desire to regain the joy she once had from racing at top speeds. As Vonn described it, “Life as a ski racer is pretty simple. You work hard, you do the right thing, and when you’re in the start gate, you just want to go fast. I missed that.”
The Surge of Doubts and Criticism Towards Vonn’s Comeback

While Vonn has exceeded her own expectations and received support from many, her decision to return to racing has also faced criticism from some in the ski community. Former racers Bernhard Russi and Michaela Dorfmeister were vocal in their opposition to her comeback, calling it “stupid” and “dangerous.” Vonn addressed this criticism in her BBC interview, stating that she was surprised by how much attention her comeback had attracted and the level of negativity surrounding it.
“I don’t know why my comeback was such a big problem,” Vonn explained. “I’m not hurting anyone doing what I’m doing. I think my answer was pretty clear last weekend. There was one apology, publicly, on a podcast, but my phone didn’t ring, and I don’t accept anything other than a phone call because what they said about me is totally unacceptable and disrespectful.”
Despite the criticism, Vonn has remained focused on her goals and is determined to prove that she is more than capable of competing at the highest level. She is not deterred by negative opinions but instead uses them as motivation to show that her comeback is not only possible but successful.
Vonn’s Confidence with Her New Titanium Knee
Vonn’s new titanium knee has given her a second chance at a career that many thought was behind her. The operation was a game-changer, allowing her to ski without the chronic pain that had previously plagued her. Her surgeon told her that it was up to her how far she could push herself and whether she could return to competitive skiing. As Vonn explained, “He told me if it doesn’t hurt and it feels good, the titanium knee is not going anywhere. There’s other risk factors, obviously. I have other ligaments, it’s like a normal knee. Things can go wrong, but the titanium knee component is indestructible.”
The reassurance from her surgeon allowed Vonn to confidently pursue her dream of returning to competition. She has since proven that she is not only capable of competing but excelling. She continues to enjoy the thrill of skiing, and the new knee has given her the freedom to push herself further without the fear of injury holding her back.
Vonn’s Impressive Performance in St Anton and Beyond

The most significant sign of Vonn’s recovery and form has been her performances in recent races. In St Anton, Austria, a venue known for its difficulty and challenging conditions, Vonn placed fourth in super-G and sixth in downhill, proving to herself and to the world that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Her performance in these races exceeded her expectations, and she was visibly delighted with her results.
“I’m really excited to be back here,” Vonn said, reflecting on her return to St Anton. “I’ve been watching videos of past races. They’ve been so meaningful to my life. It means a lot to me. I’m just out here having fun.”
Looking ahead, Vonn is set to race in Cortina, Italy, a venue where she has had a great deal of success in the past. Having won 12 World Cup races at Cortina, the Italian hill holds a special place in Vonn’s heart. She is approaching this weekend’s race with enthusiasm and a sense of fun, as she cherishes the opportunity to race once again on a course she knows so well.
Lindsey Vonn and the Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics
While Vonn is enjoying her return to competitive skiing, her sights are also set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Vonn has competed in four previous Winter Games, beginning with her debut at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and the 2026 Games would mark her fifth. However, Vonn is not focused on the long-term future just yet.
“I don’t think this weekend’s results mean anything for the next Olympics,” she said. “It depends on whether I can stay healthy, figure out my equipment, and maintain this level of skiing for another year. I don’t know the answer to those questions. I’m going to enjoy this weekend as if it’s the last time I ski here, and we’ll see what every day brings.”
For Vonn, the journey is as important as the destination. The prospect of a fifth Olympics is exciting, but for now, she is focused on staying healthy and continuing to enjoy every moment she has on the slopes.
Conclusion: A Second Chance for Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn’s comeback story is a testament to her resilience, determination, and love for the sport of skiing. Her return to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years away has exceeded even her own expectations, and she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible for an athlete her age. With a titanium knee giving her a second chance at the career she thought was behind her, Vonn is enjoying every moment of her return to the slopes.
Whether she competes in the 2026 Winter Olympics or continues to break records in World Cup races, one thing is certain: Lindsey Vonn has proven that with determination, anything is possible. Her comeback has not only inspired her fans but has also shown that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and take a second chance at greatness.