Lindsey Vonn, one of the most decorated skiers in history, announced on Thursday her return to competitive sking this year after her retirement in 2019.
The three-time Olympic medalist and four-time World Cup overall champion, had retired due to the physical toll from a series of significant injuries throughout her 18-year career.
Vonn getting back on her feet after surgery
The 40-year-old from Minnesota, in 2019 told the New York Times that she had “retired with no intention of coming back.”
However, she was pleasantly surprised to find herself pain-free after undergoing a partial right-knee replacement surgery in April.
Vonn retired as the most decorated female ski racer in history, with 82 World Cup victories, a record that has since been surpassed by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin.
Her retirement was largely influenced by numerous injuries, particularly severe knee problems that necessitated multiple surgeries.
In recent months, Vonn has been seen training in various locations, including New Zealand and the Austrian resort of Sölden, which has fueled speculation about her comeback.
She has shared updates on her training via social media.
Vonn looking forward to World Cup in Colorado
Vonn indicated that she is aiming for the World Cup in Beaver Creek, Colorado, next month as her potential first competitive appearance since retiring.
While she stressed the importance of making consistent progress, Vonn did not dismiss the possibility of pursuing a fifth Olympic appearance at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, where she achieved 12 World Cup victories from 2008 to 2018.
“I’ve always enjoyed racing in Cortina and I’ve had a lot of success there,” she stated. “I don’t know what the next few months and the next year and a half hold for me. So I can’t say right now if it’s a possibility.”
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