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2mo ago

Lindsey Vonn Returns to Ski Racing at 40 for World Championships

The legendary skier faces criticism in Europe but aims to compete in downhill, super-G, and a potential team event with Mikaela Shiffrin.

Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine World Ski Championships - Team Parallel - Saalbach, Austria - February 4, 2025 Italy's Lara Della Mea, Alex Vinatzer, Giorgia Collomb and Filippo Della Vite react the big final against Switzerland REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine World Ski Championships - Team Parallel - Saalbach, Austria - February 4, 2025 Italy's Giorgia Collomb reacts during the big final against Switzerland's Wendy Holdener REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Alpine Skiing - Lindsey Vonn press conference ahead of FIS Alpine World Ski Championships - Saalbach, Austria - February 3, 2025 Lindsey Vonn during the press conference REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
Alpine Skiing - FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Women's Slalom - Courchevel, France - January 30, 2025 Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. in action during the first run REUTERS/Christian Hartmann/File Photo

Overview

  • Lindsey Vonn, an eight-time world championship medalist, has come out of retirement at age 40 to compete in her ninth World Ski Championships in Saalbach, Austria.
  • Vonn has faced harsh criticism in Europe regarding her age and motivations, with some questioning her psychological state, though she has dismissed these remarks as disrespectful and unfounded.
  • Despite her critics, Vonn has shown competitive form, finishing sixth and fourth in recent World Cup races and expressing confidence in her ability to perform at the championships.
  • She plans to compete in the downhill and super-G events and has expressed interest in teaming up with Mikaela Shiffrin for the new team combined event, which pairs downhill and slalom racers.
  • Vonn has highlighted the significance of her return as an inspiration for women, emphasizing that ambition and pursuing dreams should not be constrained by age.