Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has made a remarkable comeback to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years. Competing in a super-G race in St. Moritz, Switzerland, Vonn finished 14th, marking her first World Cup event since retiring due to injuries in 2019. Her return comes after undergoing a partial knee replacement and reigniting her passion for the sport. Despite being 1.18 seconds behind the winner, Cornelia Huetter of Austria, Vonn’s performance highlights her enduring talent and determination. She plans to compete in another super-G at the same location on Sunday.

Vonn, now 40, holds an impressive record in ski racing, with 82 World Cup victories, ranking third all-time. Her illustrious career includes a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and four overall World Cup titles. However, her journey has been marred by numerous injuries, including a severe knee injury in 2013 that eventually led to her retirement. After finding renewed physical capability following her knee surgery, Vonn decided to give skiing another shot, driven by her unwavering love for the sport.

A Comeback Fueled by Passion and Perseverance

The decision to return to competitive skiing was not an easy one for Lindsey Vonn. Following her retirement in 2019, she had thought her racing days were over. Years of battling injuries had taken a significant toll on her body, particularly her right knee. Yet, after undergoing a partial knee replacement earlier this year, Vonn discovered a newfound freedom from pain, allowing her to rediscover her love for the sport. This realization prompted her to reconsider her future in skiing.

Vonn’s passion for skiing has always been a driving force in her life. Even during her most challenging moments, she never lost sight of what she loved. “The passion for skiing has never gone away,” she explained. “I just wasn’t physically able to do it anymore.” With the opportunity to once again pursue her passion without the limitations of pain, Vonn felt compelled to seize the moment. “Life is short. You’ve got to live every day to the maximum,” she emphasized. Her decision to return to the World Cup circuit reflects her commitment to living fully and pursuing what she loves.

A Steady Reintegration into Competitive Racing

Since announcing her comeback in mid-November, Vonn has been steadily reintegrating into competitive racing. She resumed training with the U.S. Ski Team shortly after her announcement and participated in the FIS Fall Festival at Copper Mountain in early December. Through these events, she accumulated enough points to qualify for the World Cup circuit. Although she initially hoped to compete in Beaver Creek, timing constraints led her to make her debut in St. Moritz, a venue where she has achieved considerable success in the past.

St. Moritz holds special significance for Vonn, having won five times and secured multiple podium finishes there. Her last victory at this location was in a super-G race in 2015. Returning to this familiar course, Vonn demonstrated her resilience and skill by finishing 14th in her first World Cup race in almost six years. While she may have trailed behind the winner, Cornelia Huetter, by 1.18 seconds, her performance was a testament to her enduring talent. Vonn’s next challenge will be another super-G race at the same venue, where she aims to build on her momentum and continue her remarkable comeback.