Lindsey Vonn, one of the greatest skiers of all time, made an exciting return to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years. This marked a significant moment in her legendary career as she competed in the super-G event at St Moritz, Switzerland. Despite being away from the slopes for a long time due to injuries, Vonn’s return was met with excitement and admiration. Let’s take a closer look at her comeback journey and what it means for her and the skiing world.
Vonn Career and the Reason for Her Return
Lindsey Vonn is a three-time Olympic medalist and four-time World Cup champion, with an incredible total of 82 World Cup wins. Her career was filled with both triumphs and setbacks, as she battled through multiple injuries over the years. After competing for 18 years, Vonn retired from skiing in 2019.
However, in a surprising turn, Vonn announced her return to the World Cup circuit in October 2024 at the age of 40. This decision came after she recovered from a successful knee surgery earlier that year. Her knee surgery was a major factor, as it allowed her to recover from injuries and get back to skiing at a competitive level.
Vonn Performance in St Moritz
On Saturday, Vonn made her return to competition at St Moritz, a place she knows well. In fact, she had won the super-G event at St Moritz five times before her retirement. On her comeback race, she started in 31st place and finished 14th in the super-G race, which was a great achievement considering the long time she had been away from competition.
She finished 1.18 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter, the race leader from Austria, who set a time of 1:15.18 minutes. Vonn showed that she still had the rhythm and skills that made her one of the best super-G skiers in history. Vonn has 28 World Cup super-G wins, making her the most successful skier in that event.
What Vonn Said About Her Return
Even though she didn’t win, Vonn was in high spirits after the race. She said, “I felt really good, there’s definitely a lot I have left to give.” She didn’t want to take too many risks in her first race back, but she was happy with her performance. Vonn expressed how much she loved the feeling of nerves and adrenaline, and how exciting it was to challenge herself again.
Vonn also shared that she felt stronger than she did in her late 20s, especially after having bone in her knee replaced with titanium, which helped her straighten her right leg for the first time in years.
The Competition in the Race
The race in St Moritz was tough, with some of the best skiers in the world competing:
- Cornelia Huetter from Austria won the race with a time of 1:15.18.
- Lara Gut-Behrami, from Switzerland, finished second, just 0.18 seconds behind the leader.
- Sofia Goggia from Italy came third, 0.33 seconds behind the leader.
These racers, along with Vonn, showed the high level of competition in the super-G event.
Looking Ahead: Vonn Future in Skiing
After the St Moritz race, Vonn was already planning her next race. She was scheduled to compete in a second super-G at St Moritz the following Sunday. Her comeback is just beginning, and she aims to improve with each race.
Vonn Impact on the Skiing World
Vonn’s return is inspiring for many reasons. At 40 years old, she’s proving that age doesn’t have to limit an athlete’s success. Vonn has always been a fighter, overcoming injuries and setbacks to achieve greatness in her career. Her return to the World Cup shows that determination, hard work, and a love for the sport can lead to incredible comebacks.
Her decision to return also brings excitement to the skiing community. Many young skiers look up to her as a role model. Vonn’s success will inspire other athletes to keep pushing their limits, no matter their age or the challenges they face.
A New Chapter for Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn’s return to the World Cup is more than just a race result. It marks the start of a new chapter in her incredible career. While she may not have won on her first race back, her performance showed that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Fans around the world are excited to see what comes next for Vonn, and we can’t wait to watch her continue her journey in the skiing world.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Age of Return | 40 years old |
| Number of World Cup Wins | 82 wins |
| Super-G Wins | 28 World Cup super-G wins |
| St Moritz Wins | 5 times |
| Return Race Result | 14th place, 1.18 seconds behind the leader |
| Next Race | Another super-G at St Moritz the following Sunday |
Lindsey Vonn return to skiing is a testament to her resilience and love for the sport. She has overcome so much, and this comeback shows that there’s no limit to what she can achieve, no matter the challenges she faces.
