Lindsey Vonn Returns to World Cup Finals, Defying Retirement Doubts

SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Lindsey Vonn, a legendary figure in alpine skiing, made a triumphant return to the World Cup finals after retiring in 2019 due to chronic pain from injuries. On Friday, Vonn expressed her excitement about racing in the United States, stating, “I really would’ve loved to race there,” before breaking into a grin as she prepared for competition.

After undergoing a partial knee replacement in April, Vonn is pain-free for the first time in years. This newfound freedom prompted her decision to come out of retirement and culminated in her qualification for the downhill and super-G events at the finals. “I think you’re only limited to what you push yourself to do,” Vonn said, emphasizing her belief that age should not dictate one’s capabilities.

At 40, Vonn is set to become the oldest woman to compete at the World Cup finals, showcasing her resilience against the odds associated with aging in a sport often dominated by younger athletes. “If you feel good, if you mentally have the drive, there’s no reason why you should stop doing what you love to do,” she added.

Vonn’s illustrious career features three Olympic medals, including a gold in downhill at the Vancouver Games in 2010, and she ranks third in World Cup victories with 82, behind only Mikaela Shiffrin and Ingemar Stenmark. While she has yet to return to the podium, she secured two top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in super-G at St. Anton, Austria, where she fell just 0.32 seconds short of a medal.

Entering the World Cup finals, Vonn ranked 17th in super-G and 19th in downhill. Reflecting on her return to competition, she remarked, “I learned that I haven’t forgotten anything. It’s like riding a bike.” However, she acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to her equipment after her absence.

Looking ahead, Vonn hopes to compete through the Milan-Cortina Olympics in 2026, particularly in Cortina, where she has celebrated many remarkable achievements. The venue holds sentimental value for Vonn; it is where she achieved her first World Cup podium result and recorded 12 of her victories.

As Vonn prepares for the finals this weekend, she is relishing the experience of racing at home for the first time since 2018. “Finals are always fun,” she said, expressing her joy at being back in the competition.

Fans gathered at Sun Valley Resort cheered enthusiastically, creating a vibrant atmosphere as Vonn took to the slopes. This setting is particularly special for her, considering her childhood inspiration to pursue skiing came from her encounter with Olympic skier Picabo Street.

“This is maybe my last chance to race at home in my lifetime,” Vonn stated with a reflective tone, expressing her intention to savor every moment of this event.

For ongoing updates and personal insights, follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.