Lindsey Vonn Returns to Competitive Skiing Ahead of 2026 Olympics
Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medallist, is returning from a five-year retirement to rejoin the United States Ski Team ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. At age 40, she aims to share her skiing expertise and is anticipated to race again, benefiting from a new wild-card rule for returning athletes. Vonn holds a record 12 victories on the Olympic course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn has announced her return to competitive skiing after a five-year retirement, aiming to rejoin the United States Ski Team as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. Currently at age 40, Vonn holds three Olympic medals, including a gold in downhill and a bronze in super-G from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, alongside a bronze in the 2018 PyeongChang Games. She is also recognized as a four-time World Cup overall champion and has won a total of eight medals in world championships. This decision comes as Vonn seeks to continue sharing her expertise with the current U.S. Alpine skiing team, despite having faced numerous injuries throughout her illustrious career. After officially coming out of retirement, her first event is anticipated to take place during the World Cup season at Beaver Creek, Colorado. Vonn’s record of 82 World Cup victories was surpassed in January 2023 by fellow American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who has since claimed 97 wins, the most in the sport’s history. Vonn expressed her enthusiasm about returning to skiing without pain, citing her journey back to the sport as transformative. While Lindsey Vonn’s specific race schedule remains unclear, she can take advantage of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s new wild-card rule, which permits returning champions to secure favorable starting numbers for competitions without the need to accumulate lower-level ranking points. Vonn’s participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics, set to occur in February in Cortina d’Ampezzo, would see her competing on a course where she holds a remarkable record of 12 victories. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard leadership has highlighted her inspiring dedication and passion for the sport as they welcome her back to the slopes.
Lindsey Vonn is a prominent figure in the world of Alpine skiing, regarded for her numerous accomplishments on the international stage. Having dominated the sport for years, her decision to return after retirement has generated excitement and curiosity, especially with the upcoming Winter Olympics on the horizon. The context of her career achievements, including her records and the reactive landscape of women’s skiing today, enhances the significance of her comeback. Vonn’s legacy is intertwined with both her performance records and the personal challenges she faced, including injuries that have characterized her professional journey.
In summary, Lindsey Vonn’s return to competitive skiing marks a significant development in her storied career, highlighting her enduring legacy in the sport. With three Olympic medals and numerous World Cup victories to her name, Vonn’s comeback inspires both her teammates and aspiring athletes worldwide. As she prepares for potential racing in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics, the skiing community eagerly anticipates her contributions to the sport and her potential impact on upcoming competitions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
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