Lindsey Vonn knows speed like few others. After racing down mountains at over 80 mph, returning to normal life isn’t easy. Since her retirement in 2018, after a stellar ski career filled with victories, Vonn explored new passions. She wrote a memoir, tried rodeo roping, and even considered driving for Red Bull’s Formula 1 team.
Her friend, Lewis Hamilton, supported her, saying, “If anyone can do it, it’s you.” Despite the temptation of the thrill, the three-year contract didn’t sit well with her. Vonn quickly realized she craved the rush of skiing, something that other pursuits couldn’t replicate.
In 2023, she aimed to qualify for her fifth and final Olympics in Italy. Last year, she returned to competitive skiing, showing incredible form. In St. Moritz, Switzerland, she won gold in the women’s downhill race. At 41, she made history as the oldest woman to win a World Cup race.
Vonn plans to compete in downhill, super-G, and combined races this February. Her qualifying steps kick off this weekend with key World Cup events. Notably, she’s the only American woman to ever win Olympic gold in downhill.
Retirement was tough; continuous injuries had nearly ended her career. She says skiing with knee braces was unbearable. A partial knee replacement gave her a new lease on life, allowing her to ponder a return to the slopes, where she began skiing at just two years old in Minnesota.
“Downhill skiing is a different mindset,” Vonn shared, recognizing it requires a fearless attitude. While she enjoyed investing and other pursuits, none matched the thrill of skiing. She’s aware that aging makes skiing tougher. Historically, the oldest woman to win Olympic gold in downhill was 32, and only a few competitors over 30 have won recent events.
Despite this, Vonn remains undeterred. Her years of experience are invaluable, especially since the upcoming events will be held at Cortina, a venue she knows well, having won there 12 times.
Worried about her legacy? Not at all. “I’ve already won,” she said confidently. Her former records, including 83 World Cup wins, have already secured her spot in history.
Returning to competition had its challenges. She faced mistakes and needed to build muscle strength and adjust her equipment. But signs of improvement appeared as she made her way back to the podium.
The upcoming Olympics will also see her competing against a field that might be weakened by injuries, which could improve her chances for a medal. Vonn feels strong and believes she’s at her best physically, aided by hiring Aksel Lund Svindal, a fellow Olympic medallist, as her coach.
Nothing thrills her more than chasing speed. Vonn recalls early advice from her coach: stay true to herself. This mindset has guided her throughout her career.
At 41, Vonn isn’t just reminiscing; she’s striving for results. “I appreciate the journey, but I’m results-driven,” she said firmly. Whether she wins or loses, the rush of the slopes keeps calling her back.
For current updates on Olympic skiing events, visit NBC Sports.
