40-year-old Lindsey Vonn encouraged by her competitiveness as she attempts skiing comeback

Lindsey Vonn is back on the slopes, still fine-tuning her ski equipment and adjusting to the speed of racing with her new titanium knee. Despite finishing more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races on Sunday, the 40-year-old remains optimistic about her progress after nearly six years away from competitive skiing and a shortened training period.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Vonn acknowledged the gap in her performance but emphasized that she is pleased with how close she is considering her limited training time. She expressed gratitude for the positive response she has received but clarified that her return to skiing is motivated solely by personal goals.

“I’m doing this 100 per cent for myself,” Vonn stated. “I’m not chasing records or seeking validation from anyone else. I’m just enjoying the journey and grateful to be back on the mountain.”

Vonn’s focus is on regaining her competitive edge and pushing herself to new limits, rather than reliving past achievements. Despite finishing 24th and 19th in the super-G races, she is experimenting with equipment settings and gradually improving her performance. Vonn’s decision to return to skiing at 40 may seem unconventional, but for her, age is just a number.

“Why not? I feel great,” Vonn remarked. “I don’t feel my age, and my teammates treat me no differently. I’m embracing the challenge and pushing myself harder than ever.”

Having undergone a partial knee replacement last April, Vonn’s comeback is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her recent races at Copper Mountain have shown promising results, with Vonn now eligible to compete in World Cup events. While she won’t be racing at the upcoming Beaver Creek competition, she is focused on steadily improving her performance and preparing for future challenges.

“I’m not here just for fun,” Vonn emphasized. “I’m putting in the work for a reason. Ski racing is my passion, and I’m committed to pushing myself to new heights.”

As Vonn continues her comeback journey, she is embracing each moment on the slopes and relishing the opportunity to chase her dreams once again. With a storied career that includes 82 World Cup wins, Vonn’s return to competitive skiing is a testament to her unwavering determination and love for the sport.