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Lindsey Vonn, 41, Clinches 2026 Olympic Downhill Spot After Red-Hot World Cup Start

U.S. Ski & Snowboard confirmed her selection based on this season’s results, marking a return built on performance rather than reputation.

Overview

  • Vonn secured qualification in the downhill after opening the World Cup season with four podiums in five starts, including a St. Moritz victory that has her leading the discipline standings.
  • Her Olympic berth is currently limited to downhill; she has not been officially named for super-G, though she is the top American and ranks among the world leaders in that event.
  • Her resurgence follows a 2024 knee replacement and targeted offseason work, which she credits for restoring speed and consistency after a five-year retirement.
  • Vonn announced these will be her fifth and final Olympics and said she will continue racing on the World Cup circuit through March rather than retiring immediately after the Games.
  • The governing body will finalize additional Alpine roster spots in mid-January, and Vonn’s return is widely viewed as a boost for NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage.