Introduction
Lindsey Vonn announced her return to competitive skiing in 2024, a decision that surprised fans after six years away from the sport. The former champion, now 41, revealed that a new knee replacement gave her the confidence to compete again. She is set to make history as the oldest woman to race in Alpine skiing at the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 2026.
At a Glance
- 41-year-old Vonn is coming out of retirement after a 2024 knee surgery.
- She will be the oldest competitor in Olympic Alpine history.
- Her motivation stems from a personal connection to Cortina, where she earned her first podium in 2004.
- Why it matters: The story blends medical triumph, personal legacy, and Olympic ambition.
The Comeback: Why She Returned
After multiple torn ACLs and a career-ending injury, Vonn received a partial titanium knee replacement in 2024.
“My body was so different,” she says. “I didn’t have any pain at all; my knee didn’t swell. I felt like I could do anything. The thought of ski racing again, something I loved to do so much, but without pain, was really exciting.”
The surgery restored mobility and eliminated swelling, allowing her to train without the chronic discomfort that had plagued her.
She also expressed frustration with how her retirement had ended: “I built an amazing life and was really happy in retirement,” she says of mostly focusing on her philanthropy. “But I didn’t finish my career the way I wanted to. I was limping away when I wanted to finish strong.”
The partial replacement was a medical breakthrough that gave Vonn a new lease on life, enabling her to train at elite speeds and compete in high-altitude courses.
The Cortina Connection
Vonn’s return is not only a professional reset-it is a personal pilgrimage.
“Honestly, I don’t know if I would have done this if it wasn’t at Cortina,” she admits. “It’s where I got my first podium [placing third at the 2004 World Cup]. I also broke the women’s World Cup record there.”
Cortina is also where her parents, Alan and Lindy, attended her first podium in 2004.
“It’s one of the few races in my whole career that both of my parents were at,” she says. “So it’s a very special place for me.”
The venue symbolizes the beginning of her ascent and the support that propelled her to the top of the sport.
Personal Motivations and Family
Vonn’s mother, who passed away in 2022 after a year-long battle with ALS, remains a guiding influence.
The skier now has a chance to honor her mother, back where it all started.
Her decision reflects a desire to finish her career on her own terms and to celebrate the legacy her mother helped build.
The emotional weight of her mother’s legacy fuels her drive to compete and to leave a lasting record.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the very venue that first launched Vonn’s international acclaim.
She will become the oldest ever Alpine skier to compete in the Games, adding a historic milestone to her record of three Olympic medals, including one gold.
In 2025, Vonn showcased her form at the STIFEL FIS World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she placed second in the women’s Super-G.
Her participation in 2026 will set an Olympic record for age and underscore her resilience.
Key Takeaways
- A successful 2024 knee replacement enabled Vonn’s return to elite competition.
- Cortina is the emotional heart of her comeback, linking her first podium, family support, and a record-breaking performance.
- Her participation in 2026 will set an Olympic record for age and underscore her resilience.
