In a thrilling comeback, the legendary American skier Lindsey Vonn made her return to World Cup racing after nearly six years. At the age of 40, Vonn competed in a Super-G event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, finishing in 14th place. Despite a slow start, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, posting top-five times in two of the final three sectors. This performance has reignited hopes for her potential return to competitive excellence, especially with the 2026 Olympics on the horizon.

A Legendary Return in the Alpine Snows of St. Moritz

On a crisp autumn day in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the ski world witnessed the return of a true champion. Lindsey Vonn, the decorated American alpine skier, re-entered the competitive arena after an absence of almost six years. Her journey back to the slopes was marked by determination and grit. Vonn crossed the finish line in 14th place with a time of 1:16.36, just 1.18 seconds behind the winner, Cornelia Huetter from Austria. The podium was completed by Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Italy’s Sofia Goggia.

Vonn's path to this moment was anything but easy. After retiring in 2019 due to knee injuries, she underwent a knee replacement surgery earlier this year, which left her pain-free and eager to return. Her comeback began at the FIS Fall Festival in Colorado, where she earned the necessary points to qualify for World Cup races as a wild card. In St. Moritz, despite a sluggish start, Vonn showed impressive strength in the latter parts of the course, posting top-five times in two of the final three sectors. Her teammate Lauren Macuga finished slightly ahead, tying for seventh place.

Vonn's storied career includes three Olympic medals and four overall World Cup titles. She was the most successful American World Cup skier of all time before Mikaela Shiffrin surpassed her record. With her latest performance, Vonn has not only proven her enduring talent but also raised the possibility of competing in the 2026 Olympics, hosted in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, a venue where she has enjoyed significant success.

The return of Lindsey Vonn to World Cup racing is a testament to her unwavering spirit and passion for the sport. Her ability to perform at such a high level, even after a long hiatus, is nothing short of inspiring. For fans and fellow athletes alike, Vonn's comeback serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and dedication, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. As she looks toward the future, including the possibility of competing in the 2026 Olympics, Vonn continues to set an example of resilience and determination in the world of alpine skiing.