Lindsey Vonn’s Unexpected Comeback: Racing on Home Soil at World Cup Finals
Sun Valley, Idaho – A wave of emotion washed over Lindsey Vonn when she learned that the prestigious World Cup finals would grace American soil this year. A tinge of sadness initially clouded her excitement, a poignant reminder of her premature retirement. Opportunities to compete in speed races within the United States, particularly at the World Cup finals level, had been scarce throughout her illustrious career. Now, as the event drew near, she was no longer an active racer.
"I was like, ‘I really would’ve loved to race there,’" Vonn confessed, a playful grin spreading across her face. "And lo and behold, I’m here racing."
Vonn’s journey back to the slopes is a testament to her unwavering spirit and relentless pursuit of athletic fulfillment. In the midst of the 2019 season, she was forced to confront the harsh reality of her body’s limitations. Years of intense training and competition had taken their toll, leaving her with debilitating pain that made it impossible to continue.
However, fate intervened in the form of a partial knee replacement in April of last year. For the first time in years, Vonn found herself free from the shackles of chronic pain. A spark of hope ignited within her, fueling a burning desire to end her career on her own terms.
Fueled by renewed vigor, Vonn embarked on a remarkable comeback. She rejoined the World Cup circuit in December, showcasing her unwavering dedication and innate talent. Her efforts paid off handsomely as she qualified for the finals in both the downhill and super-G events. The downhill competition is scheduled for Saturday, followed by the super-G on Sunday.
At the age of 40, Vonn is set to become the oldest woman to ever compete at the World Cup finals, defying conventional expectations and shattering age-related barriers.
"I think there’s just an expectation of, especially women at a certain age, you need to be doing a certain thing, and I don’t believe in that at all," Vonn asserted, her voice resonating with conviction. "I think you’re only limited to what you push yourself to do."
She continued, "If you feel good, if you mentally have the drive, there’s no reason why you should stop doing what you love to do. The reason why I stopped before was because my body wasn’t working. And now that my body’s working again, my mind is able to do what it wants to do, which is go fast."
Vonn’s legacy as one of the greatest ski racers of all time is undeniable. Her remarkable achievements include three Olympic medals, highlighted by a gold medal in the downhill at the Vancouver Games in 2010. Her 82 World Cup victories stand as a testament to her dominance, placing her third behind only Mikaela Shiffrin (100) and Ingemar Stenmark (86).
While she has yet to reach the podium since her return, Vonn has demonstrated glimpses of her former brilliance, securing two top-10 finishes. One of those performances was a fourth-place finish in the super-G in St. Anton, Austria, where she narrowly missed the podium by a mere 0.32 seconds.
As she entered the World Cup finals, Vonn was ranked 17th in super-G and 19th in the downhill, positions that underscore her determination to contend for victory.
"I learned that I haven’t forgotten anything. It’s like riding a bike," she remarked, her confidence radiating. "I know exactly what I need to do, and everything came back very quickly."
However, Vonn acknowledged the challenges she faced in adapting to new equipment after her hiatus from the sport.
"What surprised me was more the fact that my equipment would take so long to figure out. I kind of underestimated that challenge," Vonn admitted. "But the sport hasn’t changed that much since I left. So for me, I just have to figure out my equipment, and I think I’ll be in a good place."
Looking ahead, Vonn has expressed her desire to continue skiing through the Milan-Cortina Olympics next year, a prospect that holds special significance for her.
The women’s alpine races will be held in Cortina, one of Vonn’s favorite venues. It was there that she achieved her first World Cup podium, finishing third in the downhill in 2004. She has also secured an impressive 12 of her 82 World Cup wins in Cortina, making the podium another seven times.
For now, Vonn is focused on savoring her return to the World Cup finals, an event she last participated in back in 2018, when she triumphed in the downhill and finished third in the super-G.
"Finals are always fun," she said, her excitement palpable. "So it’s nice to be back."
The fans who flocked to Sun Valley Resort to witness Friday’s training session greeted Vonn with unbridled enthusiasm, their cheers echoing throughout her run. Youngsters eagerly shouted her name as she conducted interviews in the finish area, a testament to her enduring popularity and inspirational impact.
For Vonn, this event marks a poignant full-circle moment. She has often spoken of the inspiration she drew from meeting Picabo Street as a young girl, a memory that fueled her own ambitions. Now, she is closing out her career in the United States, in Street’s hometown, at an event she never envisioned being a part of not too long ago.
"This is maybe my last chance to race at home in my lifetime," Vonn reflected, her voice filled with emotion. "And I’m going to enjoy it."
The World Cup Finals at Sun Valley are a celebration of Vonn’s extraordinary career and a testament to her resilience. Her determination to compete on her own terms, defy age-related expectations, and inspire future generations of athletes is what makes her such an icon. While the hardware will always be there, her passion and dedication to the sport are her most important legacy. No matter the outcome of her races, Vonn has already won the hearts of countless fans, solidifying her place as a true legend.
