Lindsey Vonn, a renowned American skier, is embarking on a remarkable journey back to the Olympic stage at the age of 41, over twenty years since her debut. Vonn expressed that she holds no need to validate herself as she returns from retirement, emphasizing that her past achievements speak for themselves.
The skier underwent a partial knee replacement in 2024, setting the stage for her comeback. With a focus on competing in Cortina, a significant venue in her career where she achieved notable milestones, Vonn views this as a fitting conclusion to her time in competitive skiing.
Her upcoming plans include training at Copper Mountain in Colorado and participating in races in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Vonn aims to compete in various events, including downhill, super-G, and team combined races, contingent on her performance and qualification.
Despite acknowledging her age relative to her peers and the adjustments in her training regimen, Vonn remains determined to strive for victory at the Olympics. Improved diet and a pain-free knee have contributed to her peak physical condition, allowing her to approach the games with confidence.
Mentally, Vonn has evolved since her early Olympic days, now propelled by passion rather than external pressures. While acknowledging her father’s perception of the immense challenge ahead, Vonn remains steadfast in her focus and self-imposed standards, aiming for nothing less than her personal best.