Lindsey Vonn's Comeback

In a remarkable return to competitive skiing, Lindsey Vonn claimed her first podium finish since her five-year retirement, securing a second-place spot in the super-G at the World Cup Finals in Sun Valley, Idaho. This impressive performance occurred during what may be her final race in the United States ahead of her hopeful participation in the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Race Highlights

Swiss skier Lara Gut-Behrami clinched both the race victory and the super-G season title, leaving Vonn 1.29 seconds behind. The 40-year-old ski legend celebrated this podium finish with a sense of fulfillment, stating, “I usually do better when the pressure’s higher... I think I proved everyone wrong.”

Historic Achievement

Vonn set a new record, becoming the oldest female skier to finish on the World Cup podium, breaking the previous record held by Austrian Alexandra Meissnitzer, who podiumed at 34 years and 9 months. Vonn reached this milestone in her 13th race since making a comeback, with earlier finishes that season including sixth in a downhill and fourth in a super-G event.

Reflecting on Challenges

Reflecting on her challenging season, Vonn admitted, “It’s been hard to stay positive sometimes, especially because people are telling me that I should just quit.” She holds the third-most podiums in World Cup history with 138 and recently recovered from significant knee surgeries that have plagued her career. Notably, this was the first season in nearly a decade without the need to ice her knee after racing.

Emotional Victory

After her podium finish, an emotional Vonn expressed her passion for skiing saying, “When you love something and you work hard at something, it feels really good when you’re finally rewarded.” She aims to secure her place in the upcoming Winter Olympics and plans to retire after next year's events.

On Track for the Olympics

Currently ranked as the third American skier in downhill and second in super-G, Vonn is on track to qualify for the Milan Cortina Games. With a maximum of four athletes permitted from each nation per Olympic race, her performance sets a hopeful trajectory toward Olympic glory.

Looking Ahead

Vonn also shared her eagerness for next season's World Cup circuit, which will include a stop at Copper Mountain, Colorado, for giant slalom and slalom events, where she hopes to compete in speed events on home soil. “It’s very rare in my career that I’ve ever been able to ski a speed event on home soil,” she remarked.

Conclusion

As the World Cup Finals continue, all eyes will be on Vonn as she strives to realize her Olympic dreams, proving that age is just a number in the world of sports.