Ski Legends Rally Behind Vonn Amid Comeback Criticism

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. — Legendary skier Marcel Hirscher has publicly defended Lindsey Vonn amid criticism surrounding her recent return to competitive skiing. Vonn, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, faced backlash from some in the sports community after announcing her comeback following knee surgery. Hirscher described Vonn as a ‘role model’ and labeled the criticism as ‘very unfair.’

‘I can’t understand those messages because for me, it is just inspiring,’ Hirscher stated. His remarks drew attention to a double standard in how male and female athletes are perceived in similar situations.

The scrutiny Vonn faced was particularly pointed, considering that male athletes often receive praise for their comebacks. ‘It shows us that if you have a big dream, mostly it doesn’t matter how huge the steps are that have to be taken,’ Hirscher added. Following a partial knee replacement in April 2024, Vonn competed in recent events, finishing sixth in downhill and fourth in super-G at Sankt Anton am Arlberg, just 1.24 seconds behind the winner, fellow American Lauren Macuga.

‘It was crazy, I mean, no one was expecting this,’ Hirscher expressed regarding Vonn’s performance. ‘So she is a big role model for all human beings and shows that big dreams, big wishes, if you work for them, mostly everything is possible.’

Vonn’s comeback is one of several recent success stories in women’s skiing. On February 5, Italian skier Sofia Goggia faced a significant setback when she fractured her right foot’s malleolus and tibia during a training accident. However, she made a robust return, winning the women’s Super G at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Beaver Creek on December 15, 2024.

Mikaela Shiffrin, another notable female athlete, has also battled through hardships, including an abdominal injury from a crash in November 2024. Shiffrin withdrew from the World Alpine Skiing Championships but made a comeback in January 2025 at the Courchevel slalom, securing a 10th-place finish.

These female athletes continue to inspire despite facing significant barriers, both physically and socially. The support for their efforts highlights a growing recognition of women’s resilience in sports. As Hirscher put it, their journeys emphasize that dedication and hard work can lead to remarkable achievements.