Lindsey Vonn: A Return to the Slopes at 40 and a Potential Farewell at Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics
As a former Olympic alpine skiing champion and eight-time World Cup downhill season champion, Lindsey Vonn has always been drawn to challenges. With less than a year to go until the 2026 Olympics, she reflects on her return to the sport at age 40 and the possibility of ending her career at the upcoming Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Cortina holds a special place in Vonn’s heart. It’s where she first realized her potential to win, and the mountains there have always felt like home to her. With the Olympics set to take place in Cortina and Milan next year, Vonn is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to compete once again on the world stage in a location that holds so many fond memories for her.
Her motivations for returning to competitive skiing are rooted in her deep love for the sport, speed, and competition. These are the same passions that initially drew her to the slopes and have fueled her career throughout the years. Despite retiring in 2019 due to a series of injuries and a deteriorating right knee, Vonn underwent a partial knee replacement last year that surprisingly reignited her desire to compete.
Embracing the challenge of pushing her new knee to its limits, Vonn embarked on a journey back to the sport she loves. Despite the risks inherent in ski racing, Vonn feels healthier and stronger than ever before. Encouraged by her successful season and the way her body has responded to the demands of competition, she is determined to be a part of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
Cortina holds a special significance for Vonn, as it is where she learned to excel in ski racing and realized her potential for victory. The connection she feels with the mountain and the countless memories she has made in Cortina fuel her determination to compete in the upcoming Games. Vonn believes that Milano-Cortina 2026 will be a landmark event for women in sports, with the anticipated highest-ever female participation at a Winter Games.
As a beacon of unity and inspiration, the Olympics have the power to drive change and set new standards for gender equality. Vonn is confident that Milano-Cortina 2026 will be a showcase for progressive ideas and a catalyst for promoting equality in sports. With the Games set to take place in two distinct locations, Vonn hopes that spectators will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Dolomites and everything else that Cortina has to offer.
In conclusion, Lindsey Vonn’s return to competitive skiing at the age of 40 is a testament to her love for the sport and her unwavering determination to push her limits. As she looks ahead to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics, Vonn is excited about the opportunity to compete in a place that holds so many cherished memories for her. With her sights set on one final Olympic appearance, Vonn is ready to inspire audiences around the world and leave a lasting legacy in the world of alpine skiing.
