Lindsey Vonn Eyes 2026 Olympics as Final Chapter in Ski Career

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn, the legendary alpine skier, is making a remarkable comeback at age 40, fueled by a titanium knee replacement and an unyielding passion for the sport. After retiring in 2019 due to persistent knee injuries, Vonn returned to competitive skiing in December 2024, surprising even herself with her performance. She finished 14th in her first World Cup race back and secured fourth and sixth places in super-G and downhill events in St. Anton, Austria, last weekend.

Vonn, a four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist, has her sights set on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as the perfect finale to her storied career. “I would never go past that,” Vonn told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview. “It would be a great way to end things — for once and for all.”

Her return has not been without challenges. Vonn crashed during training in Cortina last week and slid out of Sunday’s super-G race while on pace for a podium finish. Despite these setbacks, she remains optimistic. “I’ve definitely far exceeded my expectations by a long shot,” she said. “I’m just out here, having fun.”

Vonn’s comeback has sparked mixed reactions. While fans celebrate her resilience, some former racers, including Bernhard Russi and Michaela Dorfmeister, have criticized her decision as “stupid and dangerous.” Vonn dismissed the criticism, stating, “I’m not hurting anyone doing what I’m doing. What they said about me is totally unacceptable and disrespectful.”

Her journey back to the slopes began after years of chronic pain post-retirement. Vonn underwent a titanium knee replacement in 2023, a decision she made for her “own longevity and wellbeing.” The surgery allowed her to ski pain-free for the first time in years, reigniting her competitive spirit. “Life as a ski racer is pretty simple,” she said. “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.”

Cortina holds a special place in Vonn’s career. She holds the record for the most World Cup wins (12) on the iconic course and earned her first career podium there in 2004. The venue will also host the women’s races at the 2026 Olympics, making it a fitting stage for her potential swan song. “I’ve had so many great memories here,” Vonn said. “It means a lot to me.”

While Vonn is focused on the present, she acknowledges the challenges ahead. “It depends on whether I can stay healthy, figure out my equipment, and maintain this level of skiing for another year,” she said. “I don’t know the answer to those questions.”

If Vonn secures another World Cup win, she would become the oldest skier, male or female, to achieve the feat. Inspired by athletes like Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton, and Serena Williams, who have excelled in their 40s, Vonn believes age is no longer a barrier in sports. “The resources that athletes have now allow for a better recovery,” she said. “It’s changed the perception of how long an athlete can compete.”

As she prepares for the upcoming races, Vonn remains grounded. “I’m going to enjoy this weekend as if it’s the last time I ski here,” she said. “We’ll see what every day brings.”