It’s official: At 40, Lindsey Vonn wants to get out again. However, crucial details are conspicuously omitted from the ad.
The queen of speed returns, the alpine skiing circus is looking forward to a winter full of “Vonn-We”: Exactly 2,104 days after her retirement, Lindsey Vonn announced that she is back. Ideally, it could happen in just a month at the first Downhill World Cup of the season; Vonn wants to find it again – and at 40 years old with an artificial knee joint, he doesn’t feel too old.
“I hope my racing suit still fits,” the 2010 Olympic downhill champion said on Instagram. But the campaign should not be a simple PR stunt. “I ended my career then with no intention of ever returning. But I love to ski and I’m not afraid. It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” she told the New York Times and emphasized: “I want to enjoy it, and I hope that the path will take me back to the World Cup.”
Vonn wants to start in December
The first speed event of the season will take place on the 14/15. December in Beaver Creek, Colorado. According to her own statement, that is what she hopes for – a homecoming is the right story in Hollywood for the exported superstar’s second career.
“Lindsey was able to train and test her knee extensively. And she will continue to work on her progress in Colorado,” said the association’s statement, whose president Sophie Goldschmidt praised Vonn’s “inspiring enthusiasm and passion. Passion and glamor – no one in skiing embodies this as much as she does.
Vonn won 82 World Cup races between 2001 and 2019 – a record for alpine women until compatriot Mikaela Shiffrin (now 97 wins) broke it. Shiffrin and Vonn reunited – winter sports couldn’t get any bigger than that. In any case, it will be the winter of the rebirth of legends: Marcel Hirscher and Lucas Braathen are back in Alpine skiing, and Therese Johaug is trying to do it again in cross-country skiing.
But what else can Vonn do? The experts are divided. “If anyone can do the seemingly impossible, it’s the one and only Lindsey Vonn,” said Felix Neureuther. Markus Wasmeier, who comes from another generation of skiers, was not very enthusiastic in the SPORT1 interview: “In my opinion, it’s just a show. This is meant to be a joke.”
Wasmeier and Austrian icon Franz Klemm also warned Vonn of possible serious health consequences: ”If she really does that with a broken knee and the prosthesis, she’s a total shot,” Klemm said at Oe24.
Either way: The hype will be huge, also in order to start Vonn at the World Cup in Saalbach in February. And Vonn, the master of this self-drama, will remain true to his old motto. “The quickest way to find out if something works is to try it,” she said on her 40th birthday on October 18.
What challenges did Lindsey Vonn face in her decision to come back to competitive skiing?
Time.news Interview with Skiing Expert: Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into one of the most exciting stories in the world of sports—Lindsey Vonn’s return to competitive skiing at the age of 40. Joining me is our expert in winter sports, Dr. Mark Thompson, who has closely followed Vonn’s career. Mark, it’s great to have you here.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting topic.
Editor: Lindsey Vonn, the legendary alpine skier, recently announced her return after 2,104 days since her retirement. What do you think prompted this decision, especially considering her age and the challenges of returning from an injury?
Dr. Thompson: That’s a great question! Lindsey has always been passionate about skiing. Her statement about the love for the sport and her willingness to take risks suggests she feels ready to embrace the challenges ahead. At 40 years old, she’s definitely not at the peak of her physical career, but her extensive experience and recent training with her artificial knee joint showcase her determination.
Editor: Indeed, her determination is inspiring. She mentioned that she’s not afraid and hopes her racing suit still fits! How significant is this psychological aspect in the world of competitive sports, particularly for someone like Vonn?
Dr. Thompson: The psychological aspect is crucial! Athletes often face not just physical struggles when returning after a long break but mental hurdles as well. Vonn’s confidence and her positive outlook can greatly enhance her performance. It’s about having the mindset of enjoying the process and not just focusing on results, which can be incredibly liberating for an athlete.
Editor: Given that she plans to compete as early as December in the Beaver Creek Downhill World Cup, what do you think her training regimen looks like right now?
Dr. Thompson: It’s likely quite rigorous and tailored to her specific needs. According to statements from the sporting association, she’s been training extensively and testing her knee. I expect she’s combining strength training, endurance work, and technical drills to prepare herself both physically and mentally for the competitive environment.
Editor: How do you see her return impacting the sport and the fans? Lindsey has always embodied passion and glamor in skiing.
Dr. Thompson: Lindsey Vonn’s return is bound to create a buzz in the skiing community and among fans. She brings charisma and attention to the sport, which can elevate its profile and attract new fans. Additionally, her presence could inspire younger athletes and rekindle interest in competitive skiing as audiences will likely be eager to witness a champion’s comeback story.
Editor: A compelling point! As she gears up for her planned return, do you anticipate any specific challenges she might face during her first competitions back?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. The biggest challenge will likely be tactical: relearning the nuances of racing after all this time. Things have evolved since her retirement in terms of technique and competition. She also has to balance pushing her limits with the physical realities of her body, especially considering her knee. That balance will be key in her initial races.
Editor: what do you think Lindsey Vonn’s comeback signifies not just for her, but for athletes everywhere?
Dr. Thompson: Lindsey Vonn’s return symbolizes resilience. It shows that age and past injuries don’t have to define an athlete’s limits. Her journey will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of the hurdles they may face. It’s a testament to the human spirit and love for one’s craft, making it an incredible moment not just in skiing but in sports history as a whole.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson. Your insights highlight the excitement and challenges surrounding Lindsey Vonn’s comeback. We’ll all be watching closely as her journey unfolds this winter!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! I’m looking forward to it as well.