Lindsey Vonn Returns to Alpine Skiing with First Post-Retirement Race

Dec 7, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Lindsey Vonn, a renowned Olympic alpine skier, is making a highly anticipated comeback this weekend. At 40 years old, she is set to compete in her first race since coming out of retirement last month at the FIS Fall Festival at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado. Despite it being her first competitive race in six years, Vonn views this event as a "training opportunity to keep on building" and is not putting excessive pressure on herself.

Relive the Glory of Lindsey Vonn's Alpine Skiing Career

Who is Lindsay Vonn?

Lindsey Vonn is a three-time Olympic gold medalist alpine skier, renowned for her exceptional skills in speed events such as downhill and Super-G. Her career has been marked by numerous achievements and a passion for the sport that has endured through the years. She first started skiing at the age of 3 alongside her father and grandfather, who were both competitive skiers. As her star rose, her family relocated to Vail, Colorado to provide her with better opportunities. By the age of 9, she was already participating in international events.Her impact on the sport is undeniable. She has won 82 World Cup races throughout her illustrious career, a record that stood for a long time until it was broken in January 2023 by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin. Her 43 World Cup wins in the downhill and 28 in super-G are the most by any skier in history, regardless of gender.

How Old is Lindsey Vonn?

Lindsey Vonn was born on October 18, 1984, and as of now, she is 40 years old. Her age has not deterred her from returning to the slopes and competing at the highest level. Despite the challenges that come with getting older in a sport that demands physical prowess, Vonn is determined to make her mark once again.

Where is Lindsey Vonn From?

Lindsey Vonn was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her early years were spent skiing alongside her family, with her father and grandfather serving as her mentors. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for her future success. As her talent became evident, her family made the decision to relocate to Vail, Colorado to give her more opportunities to pursue her skiing dreams.

How Many Olympic Medals Does Lindsey Vonn Have?

Vonn has competed in four Olympic Games and has achieved remarkable success, winning three Olympic medals - one gold and two bronze. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, she became the first U.S. woman to win gold in downhill by defeating longtime rival Julia Mancuso by 0.56 seconds, despite nursing a shin injury. She also picked up an Olympic bronze medal in the women's Super-G at the same games. In 2018, she won bronze in downhill at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.Vonn's Olympic achievements have solidified her status as one of the greatest alpine skiers in history. Her determination and skill have inspired generations of athletes.

How Many World Championships Does Lindsey Vonn Have?

Vonn has won four world championships (2008-10, 2012) and set a record with 82 World Cup victories. She has won at least one World Cup race in all five alpine disciplines - downhill, Super-G, giant slalom, combined, and slalom. Her record-breaking achievements in the World Cup have made her a legend in the sport.However, her record has since been broken by fellow American Mikaela Shiffrin. Nevertheless, Vonn's contributions to the sport will always be remembered.

Why Did Lindsey Vonn Originally Retire?

Vonn retired in 2019 due to a series of injuries and crashes throughout her career. Her long list of injuries includes a torn ACL, MCL, and broken right leg at the 2013 world championships, another ACL injury that forced her to miss the 2014 Winter Olympics, a fractured ankle in 2015, a fractured knee in 2016, a fractured arm in 2016, another fractured knee and torn ligament in 2018, and a knee replacement surgery in 2024.In her retirement announcement in February 2019, she wrote, "I am struggling with the reality of what my body is telling me versus what my mind and heart believe I'm capable of. The unfortunate reality is my mind and body are not on the same page. My body is broken beyond repair and it isn't letting me have the final season I dreamed of. My body is screaming at me to STOP, and it's time for me to listen."Despite her retirement, Vonn's love for skiing has brought her back to the slopes, and she is ready to make a new chapter in her career.