Lindsey Vonn’s Incredible Return Sets the Stage for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Right now, one of the most inspiring stories surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics is unfolding on the icy slopes of the World Cup circuit, and it centers on Lindsey Vonn. At 41 years old, after years of injuries, retirement, and even a knee replacement, Vonn has officially qualified for the U.S. Olympic team for Milano-Cortina 2026. And honestly, the way this has happened makes the story even more remarkable.
When Vonn announced her return to competitive skiing in late 2024, there was plenty of skepticism. Even she admitted that making it to the Olympics wasn’t guaranteed. After being away from the sport for five years, the question wasn’t just whether she could compete again, but whether she could still compete at the highest level. That question has now been answered emphatically on the racecourse.
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Over the opening weeks of the World Cup season in St. Moritz and Val d’Isère, Vonn delivered a stunning run of performances. In five speed races, she reached the podium four times and claimed a downhill victory, with her worst finish being fourth. As a result, she now leads the overall downhill standings and stands clearly ahead of her American teammates. That consistency has secured her one of the four U.S. Olympic spots in the downhill discipline, confirmed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard.
What makes this achievement stand out is how it was earned. While discretionary selection was an option, Vonn made it clear she wanted her place decided purely by results, not reputation. Her skiing this season has done exactly that. She is not just back — she has been the fastest American speed skier on tour.
This comeback carries extra weight considering her history. Vonn retired in 2019 as the most decorated women’s alpine skier ever, with 82 World Cup wins and three Olympic medals, including downhill gold in Vancouver. Injuries eventually forced her away, and at the time, it felt final. But a knee replacement in 2024 opened a new door. Early results were uneven, with DNFs and mid-pack finishes, and it wasn’t clear how far this return could go.
Patience, however, paid off. A strong finish at last season’s World Cup finals hinted that something was building. A full offseason of focused training, including work with former champion Aksel Lund Svindal, seemed to flip a switch. Now, Vonn says everything is finally working — her body, her equipment, and her confidence.
With several top rivals sidelined by injury, Vonn suddenly finds herself not just qualifying for Cortina, but potentially contending for gold. As she put it herself, heading toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, things are looking “pretty amazing.”
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