Could Lindsey Vonn’s Comeback Be Cut Short?
Lindsey Vonn, the legendary Alpine skier, has stunned fans by hinting at a major career decision just days before her much-anticipated downhill return in St. Anton. The 40-year-old, who announced her retirement in 2019 due to a series of injuries, has been defying the odds with her inspiring comeback.
However, in a candid moment during her visit to the Tour de Ski in Italy to support American cross-country star Jessie Diggins, Vonn revealed she’s considering the long-term implications of her return.
“I’m taking this season as a preparation for next year,” Vonn shared. “But I also have to think carefully about what my body can handle.”
A Career Marred by Injury
Vonn’s history of injuries is no secret:
Torn ACL, MCL, and broken leg in 2013
ACL injury that kept her out of the 2014 Winter Olympics
Multiple fractures to her ankle, knee, and arm from 2015-2018
In 2019, she retired, admitting, “My body is broken beyond repair.” But a groundbreaking knee replacement surgery in April 2024 gave her a second chance. “Skiing without pain for the first time in years felt like a miracle,” Vonn said.
Comeback or Caution?
Despite her impressive 14th-place finish in St. Moritz last month, Vonn is navigating her return with a cautious mindset. “I don’t need to take any risks right now. Staying safe and healthy is my top priority,” she stated.
Fans are now left wondering: Could Vonn’s long-term health force her to reconsider her return to the sport entirely?
The Road Ahead
Vonn is slated to compete in her first World Cup downhill in six years on January 11-12. The races in St. Anton will be pivotal, not just for this season but for her ultimate goal of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Stay tuned as this story develops. Will Lindsey Vonn cement her legendary comeback, or is retirement back on the table?